These include anatomy (the study of form at the visible level), ultrastructure (the study of form at the microscopic level), physiology (the study of function), molecular biology and biochemistry (the study of form and function at chemical levels), ecology (the study of the relations of organisms with their environments), taxonomy (the naming, identifying, and classifying of organisms), ethology (the study of animal behaviour), and sociobiology (the study of social behaviour). Much is known about life from points of view reflected in the various biological, or “life,” sciences. What does the word "migration" mean? How many sets of legs does a shrimp have? From poisonous fish to biodiversity, learn more about the study of living things in this quiz.
The several branches of science that reveal the common historical, functional, and chemical basis of the evolution of all life include electron microscopy, genetics, paleobiology (including paleontology), and molecular biology. More than 99.9 percent of species that have ever lived are extinct. Although some studies state that life may have begun as early as 4.1 billion years ago, it can be traced to fossils dated to 3.5–3.7 billion years ago, which is still only slightly younger than Earth, which gravitationally accreted into a planet about 4.5 billion years ago. Life-forms present on Earth today have evolved from ancient common ancestors through the generation of hereditary variation and natural selection. Each individual is composed of one or more minimal living units, called cells, and is capable of transformation of carbon-based and other compounds (metabolism), growth, and participation in reproductive acts. Life comprises individuals, living beings, assignable to groups (taxa). Although a noun, as with other defined entities, the word life might be better cast as a verb to reflect its essential status as a process. Life, living matter and, as such, matter that shows certain attributes that include responsiveness, growth, metabolism, energy transformation, and reproduction. Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.Britannica Classics Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives.Additionally, by removing the human aspect of contact and relying so much on technology, there are increasing online dangers related to misrepresentation on social forums and potential predators in chat rooms. In fact, they may be missing out on face-to-face contact with their community. Unplugging from technology can become more difficult because users are afraid they will miss out on something that has happened if they aren't connected at all times. With this use high use of technology, society is becoming more individualized and even isolated from that face-to-face interaction. Spending more time sitting alone in front of a computer than out in the community further limits social interaction while letter writing and even phone conversations are diminishing as well. By connecting more in ways that don't involve face-to-face contact like through chat rooms, texts, forums and websites, that direct contact is reduced. Ironically, while more connected than ever, the technologically-dependent population is increasingly more isolated from human interaction. Technology can be helpful to society but the benefits often come at a cost in the process of adjusting or keeping up with constant changes and advancements. By relying more on technology than direct human contact, there may be a tendency to expect all aspects of life to move as quickly as the technology sector. Expecting an immediate gratifying response isn't realistic in non-technology driven parts of life. However, while technology is helpful, it can diminish patience, focus and human interaction while increasing dependency. The safety net of technology is always there it guides, keeps schedules on track and facilitates global communication and connections. The world relies more and more on technology-driven products and processes as they reduce time needed to accomplish tasks and are generally viewed as positive. Now, technology has become a staple in everyday life.
What would life be like without technology? Only a century ago, the telephone was the latest and greatest advancement.