The biological world refers to all living things on our planet. This includes all the animals and plants as well as bacteria and other microorganisms that we can only see with microscopes. By studying the living world, scientists learn about how living things work. Scientists who study living things are called biologists. Biologists study the cells which all living things are made of. They examine how these cells form organs and systems within living organisms and how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. Biology plays an important role in agriculture, medicine and ecology.
Agriculture The food that we eat comes from other living things – plants, animals, fungi and bacteria. Scientists in Teagasc (the Agriculture and Food Development Authority in Ireland) carry out food research to help develop agriculture in Ireland. One of Teagasc’s areas of research is the potato. In 1991 scientists there helped to develop a variety of potato called the rooster. Roosters were developed for their growing ability, eating quality, long shelf life and disease resistance. Now, over half of all potatoes grown in Ireland today are roosters.
Fig. 2 Our food comes from other living things.
Medicine Understanding how our bodies work is important for knowing how to keep healthy and to cope with disease. Scientific discoveries have played a vital role in preventing and treating diseases. For example vaccines were developed to prevent diseases caused by viruses, and antibiotics are commonly used in medicine to fight against bacterial disease. The study of genetics allows us to understand the huge variety of life and to identify genes which may cause or contribute to the chances of getting a disease.
Fig. 3 Vaccinations prevent diseases caused by viruses. 14
Fig. 4 The study of genetics allows us to understand the diversity of life.
