Photosynthesis: Nature’s Solar-Powered Energy Conversion
Unravel ‘photosynthesis’, from Greek ‘photos’ (light) and ‘synthesis’ (to put together), nature’s way of harnessing solar energy.
biology
The term “biology” refers to the scientific study of life and living organisms. Here’s an overview of its definition, etymology, and origin:
- Definition: Biology is the natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. It covers a broad range of areas including botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, and many others.
- Etymology and Origin:
- The word “biology” is derived from the Greek words “bios,” meaning “life,” and “logia,” meaning “study of” or “science of.” Therefore, it literally translates to “the science of life.”
- The term was first used in its modern sense by German naturalist Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus (1776–1837) and independently by French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829) in the early 19th century.
- The establishment of biology as a distinct natural science apart from the medical sciences and natural history came about in this period, alongside significant discoveries and advancements in areas such as cell theory and evolutionary biology.
Amphibious Definition and Origin: Dual-Domain Adaptability
Uncover ‘amphibious’, from Greek ‘amphíbios’, epitomizing life thriving on land and water.
Bacteria Definition and Origin: Exploring Microscopic Marvels
Trace ‘bacteria’s’ etymology from Greek ‘baktēria’, denoting their tiny rod-like forms
Skeleton: Decoding Its Definition and Greek Etymology
Explore ‘skeleton,’ from Greek ‘skeletos’ meaning dried up, to its modern role as the body’s structural framework
Kinesis: From Greek Motion to Biological Response
Discover kinesis: from Aristotle’s Greek philosophies on motion to its application in modern biology and behaviour.
Taxonomy: Tracing Its Greek Roots to Modern Biological Classification
Explore taxonomy’s evolution from Greek ‘arrangement method’ to the science of naming and classifying life’s diversity.
Gene, from Greek ‘genea’ (generation) definition and etymology
Gene, derived from Greek ‘genea’ (generation), is a unit of heredity in DNA or RNA coding for specific traits.
Parasite: Meaning and Etymology
Definition of Parasite: A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its sustenance at the host’s expense. Parasites vary widely and can include plants, animals, and fungi. Some cause little harm to their hosts, while others can be debilitating or even lethal. In[…]
Ecosystem: Definition and Etymology
Ecosystem, from Greek ‘oikos’ (home) and ‘-system’, denotes a biological community and its interacting environmental elements.