BRANCHES OF BIOLOGY

Biology, as a broad field of science, may be studied at various levels such as molecular,

cellular, organismal, population, community, or ecosystems. Traditionally, there are three

main divisions of biological science, namely: zoology, botany, and microbiology.

These major divisions may be further subdivided into specialized fields or branches that

often correlate or overlap with one another. This led to the branches of biology being grouped

into four scopes: diversity and evolution of organisms, the structure of life, physiology of

organisms, and interactions of organisms.

A. Diversity and Evolution

BRANCHES DEFINITION

Evolutionary Biology ● Studies processes and patterns of biological

evolution
Mammalogy ● Studies all animals with “mammary glands” or
breasts
Ornithology ● Studies all species of birds
Herpetology ● Studies amphibians and reptiles
Paleontology ● Studies remains or remnants of organisms in the
past
Taxonomy ● Studies identification, naming, and
classification of organisms
Phylogenetics ● Studies evolutionary relations among groups of
organisms
Systematics ● Studies the diversity of organism and their
origins or evolution
Botany ● Studies all plant species
Zoology ● Studies all animal species
Microbiology ● Studies organisms that cannot be seen with the
naked eyes (microorganisms)
Parasitology ● Studies parasites and their hosts
Phycology ● Studies all species of algae
Bacteriology ● Studies bacteria
Mycology ● Studies fungal species

B. Structure of Life

BRANCHES DEFINITION
Molecular Biology ● Studies structure and functions of
macromolecules and how they
interact with one another to maintain
the functions of life.

Cell Biology ● Studies cell structures, functions, and

behaviours.

Genetics ● Studies heredity and variation of

organisms.

Development Biology ● Studies the processes involved as an

organism grows and develops.

C. Physiology of Organisms
 BRANCHES DEFINITION
Physiology ● Studies functions of parts and
structures of organisms

Anatomy ● Studies parts or structures, their

position, location in the body of
organisms
Neurobiology ● Studies the biology of the nervous
system
Immunology ● Studies the structures and
functions of the immune system
Pathology ● Studies causes and effects of
diseases and injuries

D. Interactions of Organisms

BRANCHES DEFINITION
Ecology ● Studies interactions among
organisms and with their
environment
Ethology ● Studies animal behaviors in their
natural environment