The Major Theories of the Science of Life Essay Example for Free

The Major Theories of the Science of Life Essay The study of living things is called biology. Although biology is one of the fields of study in science, it has a broad range of concepts and principles. To the many scientists who have contributed to biology, it owes the many theories in its scope. Below are the major theories that are crucial for the study of biology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most famous of all the theories is the theory of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin (Pruitt, 2005, p. 10). In the theory, different organisms living in nature change or evolve through the years. Such process of change in living things is called natural selection (Pruitt, 2005, p. 10). In connection, Mendel’s principle of inheritance is the process wherein characteristics of the parent organism are passed down to the offspring on and on through several generations. This is possible by certain factors known as genes (Pruitt, 2005, p. 10). Nevertheless, organisms are not solely composed of genes but rather organisms are composed of cells which come from previously existing cells which are the building blocks of living organisms (Pruitt, 2005, p. 11). Due to the many differences in characteristics of organisms, biological classification was employed. By the use of biological classification, the various organisms are systematized. Just like the inanimate world, life abides by the rules of energy. Such study is known as bioenergetics (Pruitt, 2005, p. 11). On the other hand, the ability of organisms to tolerate external conditions such as changes in pressure and temperature is known as homeostasis (Pruitt, 2005, p. 11). Lastly, the study of the interactions of organisms with others and the environment is known as ecology. Thus, the biological community with the non living environment is known as ecosystem (Pruitt, 2005, p. 11).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These different theories are used in research studies. One very good example is that of inheritance. The principle that governs inheritance is used in genetic engineering where the genetic characteristic of an organism is altered to add or remove specific traits (Microsoft Encarta 2006). This method is widely used to produce more desirable products for man. References Genetic Engineering. (2006). Microsoft Encarta 2007 [CD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, Inc. Pruitt, N.L Underwood, L.S. (2005). BioInquiry, Making Connections in Biology. 3rd edition. Wiley and Sons, Inc.