Question

Term biology was introduced by
A. Lamarck and Traviranus
B. Darwin
C. John Ray
D. Aristotle

Answer 1

Hint: Biology is the study of life and the complexity of living things. The term biology originates from two Greek words: Bios (life) and logos (study).

Complete Answer:
- The description of the diverse forms of life on earth was made by observation through the naked eyes, and later by microscope. The cell theory, which stated that all living organisms are composed of cells and a new cell arises from a pre-existing cell, emphasized on the unity underlying this diverse form.
- Taking a physico-chemical approach will help us to understand the molecular aspects of various processes. It also explains the abnormal processes that occur during a diseased condition.
- Biological knowledge was used for human welfare. The quality of life has increased due to this. Creation of transgenic organisms was possible. Complex processes like homeostasis, mechanisms underlying digestion, excretion, respiration etc. were made known. The work of Mendel and others who followed him gave us an idea about the inheritance.
- Charles Darwin’s study of evolution was very necessary for the further studies of evolution.
The term “Biology”, in the modern sense, was introduced through the works of Michael Christoph Hanow in 1766.
- However, it was introduced independently four more times by the works of Thomas Beddoes (1799), Karl Friedrich Burdach (1800), Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus (1802) and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1802). Hence, the correct option is option A, ‘Lamarck and Treviranus’.

Note: Even though biology’s origin is not clear, it has been used since a long time. With the coming of modern biology many myths were cleared. Biology is an ever-changing field. Its nature is also slow but it shows us the various mysteries of life.