In the previous article, we have studied the importance of biology. In this article, we shall study different branches of biology.

On the Basis of Kind of Organism:

Depending upon the kind of organism, the branches of biology are as follows:

• Botany: Botany is the scientific study of plants which include algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants.
• Zoology:  Zoology involves the study of animals including their classification, their history, their anatomy, and physiology,
• Microbiology: Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to be visible to the naked eye. This includes bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, and algae, collectively known as ‘microbes’.
• Human Biology: Human biology is the branch of biology that deals with human beings and human populations. It includes all the aspects of the human as an organism including genetics, ecology, anatomy and physiology, anthropology, and nutrition. Human biology is related to other fields of biology such as medicine, primate biology, and biological anthropology.

On the Basis of Group of Organisms:

Depending upon the group of organisms under the study, the branches of biology are as follows:

• Bacteriology: The science and study of bacteria and their relation to medicine and to other areas such as agriculture (e.g., farm animals) and the industry is called Bacteriology.
• Virology: Virology is the study of viruses and virus-like agents, including (but not limited to) their taxonomy, disease-producing properties, cultivation, and genetics. It is often considered a part of microbiology or pathology.
• Mycology: Mycology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of fungi. It includes the research of their genetic and biochemical properties and their use in medicine and food along with their hazards.
• Entomology: Entomology is a branch of zoology that studies insects and how they interact with their environment, other species and humans.
• Ichthyology: Ichthyology is the branch of zoology devoted to the study of fishes, which includes bony fish (Osteichthyes), cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), and jawless fish (Agnatha).
• Herpetology: Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians,  reptiles. Batrachology is a further subdiscipline of herpetology concerned with the study of amphibians only.
• Ornithology: Ornithology is the scientific field dedicated to the study of birds.

On the Basis of Approach to Study:

Depending upon the approach of the study, the branches of biology are as follows:

• Anatomy: It is the scientific study focusing on the physical structures and parts of organisms (plants and animals).
• Morphology: Morphology is a branch of biology dealing with the study of the form and structure (internal and external)  of organisms and their specific structural features
• Histology: Histology is the scientific study of the fine detail of biological cells and tissues using microscopes
• Cytology: The study of structure and function of plant and animal cells.
• Physiology: The branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes is called physiology.
• Embryology: Embryology is the study of the development of an embryo from the stage of ovum fertilization through to the fetal stage.
• Taxonomy or Systematics: The science of identifying, naming, grouping and classifying plants and animals is called taxonomy or systematics.
• Ecology: Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Biogeology: The study of the interaction between the Earth’s biosphere and the lithosphere.
• Biogeography: Biogeography is a study of the distribution of various species and ecosystems geographically and throughout geological time and space.
• Paleontology:  the study of fossils to determine the structure and evolution of extinct animals and plants and the age and conditions of deposition of the rock strata in which they are found is called Palaeontology.
• Evolution: evolution is the branch of biology which studies the change in the characteristics of a species over several generations and relies on the process of natural selection.
• Genetics: Genetics is a branch of biology that deals with heredity and variations.
• Parasitology: Parasites are those organisms that live on or inside other organisms called the host and draw nourishment from the host are called parasites. The study of parasites is called parasitology. It includes the study of three major groups of animals: parasitic protozoa, parasitic helminths (worms), and those arthropods that directly cause disease or act as vectors of various pathogens.
• Pathology: It is a branch of biology which studies diseases in plant and animals and their treatment.
• Immunology: The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defense. Immunology is the study of the immune system.
• Eugenics: The study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, especially by such means as discouraging reproduction by persons having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits. Thus it is a science which aims to improve the human race through controlled heredity.
• Biochemistry: Biochemistry is the study of the processes behind all living organisms,

On the Basis of Agriculture and Allied Industries:

With respect to agriculture and allied industries, the branches of biology are as follows:

• Agriculture: It is a branch of biology which deals with raising crops and live stocks such as cows, buffaloes, etc.
• Veterinary Science:  The branch of medicine that deals with the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals, especially domestic animals.
• Marine Biology: Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, their behaviours, and their interactions with the environment.
• Horticulture: Horticulture is the science and art of producing, improving, marketing, and using fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
• Animal Husbandry: It is the branch of agriculture concerned with animals that are raised for meat, fibre, milk, eggs, or other products. It includes day-to-day care, selective breeding and the raising of livestock like cows, buffaloes, etc.
• Sericulture: Sericulture, or silk farming, is the rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk.
• Pisciculture: The breeding, rearing, and transplantation of fish by artificial means is called pisciculture.
• Tissue Culture: Tissue culture, a method of biological research in which fragments of tissue from an animal or plant are transferred to an artificial environment in which they can continue to survive and function.
• Molecular Biology: Molecular biology is a branch of science concerning biological activity at the molecular level. The field of molecular biology overlaps with biology and chemistry and in particular, genetics and biochemistry.
• Biotechnology: Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life.
• Cloning: Cloning is a process of asexual reproduction to create offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.
• Bioengineering: It is the branch of biology which with the help of engineering science help in making artificial limbs, joints and other parts of the body using engineering materials and techniques. It also includes the improvement of crops for disease resistance and yield.
• Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles to the fields of biology and health care. Biomedical engineers work with doctors, therapists and researchers to develop systems, equipment, and devices in order to solve clinical problems. The job includes the design, development, production, and maintenance of medical instruments.
• Nuclear biology: Nuclear biology or radiobiology is a branch of biology which studies the effect of radioactivity on living cell and also deals with the development and production of nuclear medicines for diagnosis and treatment of the diseases.
• Space Biology: The study of the survival of living things in a space is called space biology.
• Genomics: Genomics is a study of the genomes of organisms. Its main task is to determine the entire sequence of DNA or the composition of the atoms that make up the DNA and the chemical bonds between the DNA atoms.
• Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics is the application of information technology to the study of living things, usually at the molecular level. Bioinformatics involves the use of computers to collect, organize and use biological information to answer questions in fields like evolutionary biology.
• Biometrics: Biometrics is a technological and scientific authentication method based on biology and used in information assurance (IA). Biometric identification authenticates secure entry, data or access via human biological information such as DNA or fingerprints.
• Forensic science: The forensic sciences are used around the world to resolve civil disputes, to justly enforce criminal laws and government regulations, and to protect public health. The field of forensic science depends on other branches of science, including physics, chemistry, and biology, with its focus being on the recognition, identification, and evaluation of physical evidence. It has become an essential part of the judicial system to achieve information relevant to criminal and legal evidence.
• Genetic Engineering: Genetic engineering refers to the direct manipulation of DNA to alter an organism’s characteristics (phenotype) in a particular way.

On the Basis of Medical Sciences:

On basis of medical sciences, the branches of biology are as follows:

• Gynecology and Obstetrics: Gynaecology normally means treating women who aren’t pregnant, while obstetrics deals with pregnant women and their unborn children, but there is lots of crossover between the two.
• Orthopedics: It is a branch of medical science which is devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries, disorders, and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons.
• Opthalmology: It is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eyeball and orbit.
• Dentistry: It is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity.
• Oncology: Oncology is the branch of medicine that researches, identifies and treats cancer.
• Cardiology: Cardiology is a branch of medicine that concerns diseases and disorders of the heart, which may range from congenital defects through to acquired heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.
• Urology: Urology is a surgical specialty that deals with the treatment of conditions involving the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.
• Nephrology: Nephrology is a branch of medical science that deals with diseases of the kidneys.
• Pediatrics: Pediatrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 18.
• Dermatology: Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with diagnosing and treating skin diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine which uses a treatment method that focuses on the science of movement and helps people to restore, maintain and maximize their physical strength, function, motion and overall well-being by addressing the underlying physical issues.

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Fishes are rich in protein, vitamins and mineral salts and are also known as valuable protective food. Fish forms an important item of the diet in many parts of the world. The development of fisheries is, therefore, one of the most promising industry. India has a coastline of about 8,129 km, 5 million km of the continental shelf and 2.02 million of an exclusive economic zone. India is a major marine fish producer and ranks seventh in the world.

The term fishery is used for catching, processing, fish farming and marketing of fish and other aquatic animals. The fishery includes fishes, prawns, lobsters, edible oysters, mussels, and crabs. Areas where fish are reared commercially, are known as artificial fisheries. The fishes are bred, reared and later harvested. The fishery may be a natural water body or an artificial one. A variety of fish may be reared together.

Types of Fisheries:

Depending on the nature of water in which fish is reared, fisheries are divided into three categories:

Marine Fisheries:

Marine fisheries include fishing operations along the sea coasts. The main varieties obtained in marine fisheries are Herpedon (Bombay duck बोंबील), rastrelliger (mackerels बांगडा), stromateus (pomfrets पापलेट), salmons, sardinella (sardines पडवा / वाशी /टारली), sharks (मुशी), and catfish (शिंगाडा).

Fresh Water Fisheries or inland Fisheries:

Freshwater fisheries include fish found in rivers, irrigation canals, reservoirs, lakes, dams, tanks, and ponds. The main varieties obtained in freshwater fisheries are carp fishes (labeo rohita (Rohu) तांबडा मासा, Catla काळा मासा, cirrhina (mirgala) मिऱ्या / मिरगा). Carp fishes are herbivorous. Catfishes (Mystus, Hilsa पाला, Bombay duck). Catfishes are carnivorous. Gourami, and Gambusia (omnivorous).

Estuarine or Brackish Water Fisheries:

They operate in estuaries (where river water and seawater get mixed), delta channels, backwaters, lagoons, and coastal lakes. Estuarine fish are more common in Bengal and Kerala. The tidal water collects the fish in the enclosures. The main varieties are Pearl spot, Milkfish, and Mullet.

Economic Importance of Fishes:

• Fish as food: Fish is a valuable and cheap source of food that is rich in proteins. Fish proteins are easily digestible.
• Medicinal use: Fish liver (shark liver and cod liver) oil is a natural source of vitamin A, C and Vitamin D.
• Industrial use: Body oils of sardines, herrings and salmons are used for the manufacture of edible oils and margarine. The oil obtained from fishes is used in soap, paint, and varnish industries.
• Feed for farm animals: Fish meal (dried fish) provides proteins to farm animals.
• Agricultural use: Fishes and fish wastes are used as organic manure in the fields.
• Adhesive: Skins and bones of fishes are also used in making high-quality glues and adhesives.
• Use of shark skin: Sharkskin is also used in the manufacture of handbags, wallets, shoes, etc. after tanning. Hide (leather) is also used to make parchment sheets. Sharkskin is abrasive and is called shagreen. It is used for smoothening surfaces for polishing.
• Generate employment: Fishery provides good job opportunity and self-employment for many people.

Commercial Fisheries:

Aquaculture:

Aquaculture involves the rearing and management of useful aquatic plant and animal resources such as fish and shellfish, (prawn, molluscs, crabs, etc.).It is also known as fish farming.  Aquaculture provides employment to many people. Culturing certain fishes in ponds, lakes, and reservoirs is a common practice in most of the areas of the world, which boost the productivity and economy of the nation. China leads all countries in aquaculture production. In aquaculture, there is no requirement of nutrients from an outside source. The main aim is to obtain a number of economically important substances. Aquaculture is utilized for culturing pearls on a commercial scale

Pisciculture (Fish Farming):

It is concerned with the production of edible fish in lakes, rivers, large ponds, canals. In Pisciculture young fishes are reared in nursery ponds, transferred to lakes or rivers and finally harvested as fish for table food. Fish farms range from simple ponds or flooded rice fields to highly engineered hatcheries in which the environment is monitored and kept under control. It includes the removal of almost all possible harmful conditions. It helps fish to flourish and grow fast. Fishes are provided with proper nutrients as per a regulated plan. The main aim is to obtain a good yield for consumption as a food.

Pond culture (Kitchen Fisheries):

This involves culturing fish in small ponds. This practice is quite common in Bengal. Proper management is carried on till fish attains full size. They are also protected from diseases.

Molluscs Culture:

Mariculture is a specialized branch of aquaculture involving the cultivation of marine organisms for food and other products in the open ocean, an enclosed section of the ocean, or in tanks, ponds or raceways which are filled with seawater. Molluscs are usually cultivated in their natural habitat without any addition of feed. As filter-feeders, they contribute to water cleanness by removing sediments and unwanted nutrients. Molluscs comprising oysters, clams, mussels, squids, cuttlefish, octopus, etc. form important resources of food are cultivated by this method.

Examples: edible oyster (Crassostrea species), Mussels (Perna species), Clams (Meretrin species, Arca species, Donax species, Circa gibba, Solen species, cardium species), Cuttlefish (Sepia species), Squid (Loligo species). Octopus are all utilized as a food resource. Pearl oysters, the sacred ehank, Turbo, Trochus and windowpane oysters (Placenta placenta) are all of commercial importance.

Sea Weeds:

Seaweeds are used for human consumption as cattle and poultry feed, as manure and for industrial purpose as a source of agar-agar, and algin. Species of Gelidiella and Gracilaria (the red seaweeds) are the source for the manufacture of agar-agar. The brown seaweeds like Sargassum, Turbinaria Dictyota contains alginic acid. Ulva, Entromorphas, Caulerpa, Porphyra are varieties used in human food.

Biology > Animal Husbandry > Fisheries and Pisciculture

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