Introduction to Science

• The word ‘science’ has been derived from the Latin word Scientia-meaning knowledge.
• Science can be defined as knowledge which is verified and confirmed by various facts.
• Science has two main branches: Physical and Biological sciences.
• The word “Biology” has been derived from two GREEK words “Bios”-meaning living and “Logos”- meaning discourse.
• Biology has been further divided into 2 Sub branches:
  • Zoology
  • Botany/Phytology
• The word “zoology” has been derived from two Greek words:
  • Zoon-Animals
  • Logos-Discourse
• The word “Botany” has been derived from Geek words:
  • Botane-Meaning herbs

History
First Scientific study of living organisms was done by a Greek naturalist, Aristotle (384-322BC). So he is known as the “father of Biology”.
Theophrastus (370-287 B.C.) was the first to undertake scientific study on plant, so he is called as “Father of Botany”.
Aristotle (384-322B.C.) was first to undertake study on animals, so he is known as “father of zoology”.

Technical terms used in general characters and classification:
Habitat is the place where the organisms live/survive. Based on the medium, there are two major habitats, they are:

Terminologies related to habit and habitat:
a) Colonial: Organisms living in group or colony E.g. honey bees, ants etc.
b) Solitary: Organisms living singly. E.g. dogs, cats, tigers
c) Stalked: Organisms having stalk E.g. vorticella
d) Sessile: Organisms not having stalk E.g. man, dog
e) Benthic: Organisms living on the bottom of seas or water body E.g. corals
f) Pelagic: Organisms living on the surface of water. E.g. larvae of mosquito, ducks, small fishes
g) Lotic: Organisms living on running water. E.g. Migratory fishes (Salmon)
h) Lentic: Organisms living on stagnant (static) water. E.g. frog