Back to Basics: The Reason we Study Biology

The term Biology refers to the study of living things. As biologists we investigate animals, plants and microbes in a myriad of different ways and on an enormous range of spatial scales from molecules and cells to individual organisms, populations and ecosystems. For Zoologists and Entomologists alike, this means acquiring necessary knowledge and skills to appreciate the socio-economic issues related to the environment as well as specialist scientific knowledge on geological, biological and chemical processes. In this way improving our understanding and changing or refining known approaches to conserve, preserve and maintain natural and manipulated landscapes for current and future generations.

One of the most influential examples would undoubtedly be the publication of Silent spring, an environmental science book written by Rachael Carson and published in 1962. The book documented the detrimental effects and indiscriminate use of pesticides on the environment (particularly on birds). Carson openly accused the chemical industry of misrepresenting the true effects of their products and related public officials of accepting industry claims unquestioningly. Of course Silent Spring was met with severe opposition by chemical corporations, but managed to incite a complete reversal in the national pesticide policy of the United States, leading to a nationwide ban on DDT for agricultural uses, while inspiring an environmental movement that led to the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Since then and especially during the last few decades the study of biology has undergone rapid changes and had a significant impact on the way we live. We are now able to produce antibiotics and vaccines, grow disease resistant crops, transplant organs and manipulate genes. Biologists today are actively researching new approaches to vital concerns such as increasing the world food supply, improving and protecting our environment and managing disease.

More recent examples highlighting the importance of biological research are those of the popular science author Jared Diamond. Changing our perspective on historical societies, Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies was published in 1998 and won the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction and the Aventis Prize for Best Science Book. A documentary based on the book, and produced by the National Geographic Society, was broadcast on PBS in July of 2005. A sequel to this, examining to future of our fate, Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed (also titled Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive) was published in 2005 and reviews the causes of historical and pre-historical instances of societal collapse (particularly those involving significant influences from environmental changes, the effects of climate change, hostile neighbours, and trade partners) and considers the responses different societies have had to such threats. While the bulk of the book is concerned with the demise of these historical civilizations, Diamond also argues that humanity collectively faces, on a much larger scale, many of the same issues, with the possibly of catastrophic near-future consequences to many of the world's populations.

The bottom line, so to speak, is that the field of biology has seen many important discoveries throughout the centuries. From vaccines to theories of the beginning and progression of life on Earth, the many discoveries have improved not only our understanding of history but also our quality of living. Biology has had a profound impact on how we perceive ourselves as a society in nature and being part of nature. Involvement in environmental issues and being conscious of the impacts of various influential factors ensures the welfare of current and future generations, while continuously improving production, sustainability, longevity and essentially existence.

All this is the collective result of biological scientists in research facilities across the globe working tirelessly and in the process contributing to our understanding of the living environment.

image001

Collapse_book

Silent_Spring_First_Ed