Biology is the science that studies living things, from tiny bacteria to huge forests and animal populations. It looks at how organisms grow, survive, reproduce, and interact with each other and their environment.
From Greek “bios” meaning “life” and “-logia” meaning “study of” or “account.” The term became standard in the 19th century as life sciences were organized into a formal field.
Biology shows that humans are not separate from nature; we are one species in a huge, interconnected web. The same basic molecules and genetic code that run a simple bacterium also help build your brain.
Biology has often been used to justify gender hierarchies by presenting social roles as biologically determined. At the same time, women and marginalized scientists in biology have faced barriers to participation and recognition.
Use “biology” to refer to empirical study of living systems, and avoid using it as a catch-all explanation for complex social phenomena without evidence. Distinguish biological findings from social interpretations.
["life science","study of living organisms"]
Women biologists have significantly advanced our understanding of genetics, ecology, and physiology, despite facing systemic discrimination.
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