Branches of Biology A to Z: 100+ Biology Branches & Significance

The branches of biology cover a wide array of specialized fields, each exploring unique aspects of life, but all are united by the study of cells “the fundamental building blocks of life”. Due to its vast scope and the diversity of its subfields, biology is considered one of the most intricate and rewarding sciences. With its broad career potential in areas like medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology, biology offers exciting opportunities for growth.

In this blog, we will delve into the key branches of biology, providing an overview of what each branch covers and how they contribute to the broader understanding of life.

Introduction to the Branches of Biology

Biology is a field of study that examines living things and their essential functions. Botany, conservation, ecology, evolution, genetics, marine biology, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, and zoology are just a few of the many disciplines that make up biology.

These branches focus on areas such as animals, plants, microorganisms, genetics, and ecosystems, helping us understand life at all levels. By studying the branches of biology, we gain insights that drive advancements in medicine, agriculture, conservation, and more.

Also Read: Branches of Physics

All Branches of Biology

Following is the list of all branches of biology:

Science	Organized form of Knowledge or systematic knowledge i.e. knowledge through the process
Biology	The branch of science which deals with the study of living beings
Zoology	The branch of science which deals with the study of animals
Morphology	The branch of science which deals with the study of total general structures and forms including shape, size and appearance
Anatomy	The branch of science which deals with the study of internal structures after cutting or dissection
Histology	The branch of science which deals with the study of tissue i.e. microscopic anatomy
Cytology	The branch of science which deals with the study of cells and their organelles
Acarology	Study of tics and mites
Actinobiology	The branch of science which deals with the study of radiation effects on an organism
Aerobiology	This branch deals with the form of land use on which herbaceous crops and tree crops are cultivated
Agroforestry	The science that deals with crop plants
Agronomy	The science that deals with the study of blood blood-vascular system
Agrostology	Study of grasses
Angiology	Exobiology
Anthology	Study of flowers
Anthropology	Study of apes and man
Apiculture	Study of beekeeping
Araneology	Study of spiders
Arthrology	Study of joints
Aschelitinthology	Study of roundworms
Bacteriology	Study of bacteria
Batrachology	Study of frog
Biochemistry	Branch of science that deals with the study of chemical reactions in relation to life activities
Biometrics	Statistical analysis of different results of biological experiments
Biotechnology	Use of biological organisms in commercial processes for producing fine chemicals such as drugs, vaccines and hormones etc. On a large scale and at a reasonable cost.
Bryology	Study of Bryophytes
Carcinology	Study of crabs and crustaceans
Cardiology	Study of heart
Chondriology	Study of Cartilage
Chromatology	Study of Pigments
Cardiology	Study of Coelenterata
Conchology	Study of shells
Craniology	Study of skulls
Cryobiology	Aetiology
Dendrology	Study of shrubs and trees
Dermatology	Study of skin
Study of effects on life at very low temperature	Study of problems of existence of life in outer space
Ecology	Study of the relationship between organisms and the environment
Embryology	Study of embryo i.e. developmental stages after fertilization or birth of young ones
Endocrinology	Study of endocrine glands and their secretions
Entomology	Study of insects
Enzymology	Study of enzymes
Ethnology	Study of man-kinds
Aetiology	Study of conditions of animals or behaviour of animals, in a natural contest
Study of molluscs	Study of diseases
Eugenics	Study of improvement of the human race by applying laws of heredity. It is applied before birth. Eugenics is related to future generation
Euphenics	Study of improvement of the human race by drug treatment or gene engineering i.e. medical engineering of a genetic disorder
Euthenics	Study of improvement of the human race by improving the environment. It applied after birth and is related to the present generation
Evolution	The branch of science that deals with the study of the origin of new from old i.e. origin, variation, inter-relationship between organisms of past and present days
Exobiology	Space biology is also known as exobiology
Floriculture	Study of flower-yielding plants
Genetics	Study of heredity and variations
Gerontology	Study of growing old
Gynaecology	Study of female reproductive organs
Haematology	Study of blood
Helminthology	Study of helminths
Hepatology	Study of liver
Herpetology	Study of lizards and other reptiles
Hypnology	Study which deals with sleep
Histochemistry	Study of the chemical nature of tissues
Horticulture	Study of flowering and fruits plants
Ichnology	Study of fossil footprints
Immunology	Study of resistance of organisms against infection
Kalology	Study of sensory or sensory-emotional values sometimes called judgments of sentiment and taste
Karyology	Study of nucleus
Lepidopterology	Study of moths and butterflies
Lichenology	Study of lichens
Limnology	Study of freshwater lakes, ponds and streams in relation to plants and animals
Malacology	Study of the development of organs under embryology
Mammology	Study of mammals
Mastology	Study of breasts
Melanology	Study of pigments
Molecular Biology	Study of life sciences on the molecular level (i.e. RNA and DNA level)
Mycology	Study of fungi
Myrmecology	Study of ants
Neonatology	Study of the new-born up to 1 month of age
Nephrology	Study of kidney
Neurology	Study of the nervous system
Nidology	Study of nests of birds
Nisology	Study of diseases
Odontology	Study of teeth and gums
Olericulture	Study of vegetable-yielding plants
Oncology	Study of cancer
Oneirology	Study of dreams
Ontogeny	Study of embryonic history
Oology	Organology
Ophthalmology	Study of eyes
Organocology	Study of the egg of birds
Organology	Study of organs
Ornithology	Study of birds
Osteology	Study of bones
Otorhinolaryngology	Study of ear, nose and throat
Paedology	Study of larval stages
Palaezoology	Study of fossils and their distribution in time.
Palaeozoology	Study of fossils of animals
Palynology	Study of pollen grains in relation to taxonomy and evolution
Parasitology	Study of parasites
Pathology	Study of various diseases in human beings
Parazoology	Study of poifera (sponges)
Pedology	Study of soils
Pharmacognosy	Branch of science dealing with the medicinal plants
Pharmacology	Study of synthesis and effect of medicines on organisms
Phenology	Study of organisms as affected by seasonal climates e.g. of bird migration, the opening of flowers etc.
Phrenology	Study of mental faculties of the brain including feelings
Phycology (algology)	Study of algae
Phylogeny	Study of evolutionary history
Physiology	Study of functions of various parts within the organisms
Pisciculture	Study of rearing of fishes
Platyhelminthology	Study of flatworms
Pomology	Study of fruits
Poultry	Study which deals with the keeping foul
Proctology	Study of hindgut including rectum and anus
Protistology	Study of protests. Its field of study overlaps with more traditional disciplines of algology, mycology and protozoology
Pteridology	Study of pteridophytes
Rainology	Study of the nose and olfactory organs
Saurology	Study of lizards
Sericulture	Study of plant distribution on earth
The silk industry is concerned with the culture of silk moth and pupa	Study of serum; interaction of antigens and antibodies in the blood
Serpentology (Ophiology)	Study of snakes
Silviculture	Study of the development of forests
Sitology	Study of dietetics
Speciology	Study of species
Spermology	Study of seeds
Splanchnology	Study of visceral organs
Stomatology	Study of forgetting including buccal cavity and stomach
Synecology	Study of bony joints and ligaments
Taxi dermatology	Study of skin and stuffing
Taxonomy	The breach of science which deals with the study of the classification of organisms
Teratology	Study of foetal malformations
Torpedology	Study of skates and rays
Toxicology	Study of narcotics and the influence of narcotics on various organisms
Traumatology	Study of wounds and turnover
Trichology	Study of hair
Trophology	Study of nutrition
Urobiology	Study which deals with the preservation of deals bodies in liquids by chemicals
Urology	Study of wine including diseases and the abnormalities of the urinary and urinogenital tract
Virology	Study of virus
Zoogeography	The branch of science which deals with the study of the distribution of animals on earth
Biophysics	Study of physical aspects of living organisms
Cytogenetics	Study of the cytological basis of inheritance
Ctetology	Study of acquired characteristics of organisms
Ichthyology	Study of fish and its culture
Kinesiology	Study of muscle movements
Phytogeography	Study of structural organization of the body
Palaeobotany	Study of distribution and characteristics of fossils
Psychobiology	Study of behavioural aspects of animals
Sarcology	Study of muscles
Syndesmology	Study of bone joints and ligaments
Tectology	Study of structural organization of body
Zoophytology	Study of drifting micro-organisms such as diatoms.

25 Main Branches of Biology

The main branches of biology are important for students as they are well-known and widely studied around the world. These branches cover a wide range of topics, and their resources, like labs and books, are easily accessible to everyone. Researchers are interested in the natural world because it allows them to explore different areas of life science in detail and understand how all living things are connected. Here are the major 25 branches of biology:

1. Anatomy
2. Botany
3. Taxonomy
4. Zoology
5. Microbiology
6. Mycology
7. Phycology
8. Parasitology
9. Virology
10. Physiology
11. Theoretical Biology
12. Cell Biology
13. Genetics
14. Ecology
15. Evolution
16. Biochemistry
17. Biophysics
18. Molecular Biology
19. Structural Biology
20. Biotechnology
21. Plant Physiology
22. Immunology
23. Marine Biology
24. Photobiology
25. Radiobiology

Branches of Biology from A to Z

From anatomy to zoology, the branches of biology from A to Z provide a comprehensive understanding of life’s diversity, enabling breakthroughs in science, medicine, and environmental studies.

Here is an organized list of branches of Biology, each representing a letter from A to Z, highlighting their focus areas:

Letter	Branch of Biology	Description
A	Anatomy	Study of the structure of living things and their parts.
	Astrobiology	Study of life in the universe.
B	Biotechnology	Study of technology related to biology.
	Botany	Scientific study of plants.
	Biochemistry	Study of chemical processes within or related to living organisms.
	Biophysics	Study of physical processes and phenomena in living organisms.
	Bionics	Study of mechanical systems inspired by living organisms.
	Bioinformatics	Interpretation of biological information through computer science.
C	Cell Biology	Study of cell structure and functions.
	Chemical Biology	Use of chemistry to solve biological problems.
	Computational Biology	Development of algorithms to understand biological systems.
	Conservation Biology	Study of environmental conservation and biodiversity.
	Chronobiology	Study of biological rhythms and the effects of time on organisms.
D	Developmental Biology	Study of growth and development processes in plants and animals.
E	Evolutionary Biology	Study of evolutionary processes, adaptation, and diversification of life.
	Ecology	Study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
	Environmental Biology	Study of evolution, habitats, and adaptations of living organisms.
G	Genetics	Study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living beings.
	Geobiology	Study of how physical, chemical, and biological processes influence each other in natural habitats.
	Gerontology	Study of aging and its physical, social, and psychological effects.
H	Human Biology	Study of the human species, including evolution, genetics, and anatomy.
	Human Genetics	Study of the human genome and gene transmission across generations.
I	Immunology	Study of the immune system in all organisms.
L	Lichenology	Study of lichens.
M	Marine Biology	Study of marine organisms and ecosystems.
	Mycology	Study of fungi.
	Microbiology	Study of microorganisms and minute life forms.
	Molecular Biology	Study of chemical structures and biological processes of molecules.
N	Neurobiology	Study of nervous systems and cellular functions.
	Nutrition Science	Study of food, nutrients, and their effects on health and disease.
P	Pathology	Study of disease and injury.
	Physiology	Study of how living organisms function.
	Paleobiology	Application of biology to the study of fossils and ancient life.
	Phycology	Study of algae.
	Parasitology	Study of parasites, their hosts, and their relationships.
	Plant Physiology	Study of plant functions and behaviors.
	Photobiology	Study of the effects of light on living organisms.
R	Radiobiology	Study of the effects of ionizing radiation on living beings.
S	Structural Biology	Study of the structure of biological molecules.
	Soil Biology	Study of living organisms in the soil.
	Systems Biology	Study of biological systems and their interactions.
T	Taxonomy	Study of naming, classifying, and organizing living organisms.
V	Virology	Study of viruses and viral diseases.
Z	Zoology	Study of animals and their biology.

Question: “Name the branch of zoology that deals with the study of fishes?”
Answer: “Ichthyology is the branch that studies fishes”. Know more about Branches of Zoology here!

Let’s learn about these main branches of biology in detail, one by one

Anatomy

Anatomy is one of the main branches of biology that allows an individual to understand the structure and the parts of organisms including animals, human beings, and living organisms.

Moreover, it investigates how a living body adapts and maintains balance with the physical environment and human health.

Botany

Botany is the scientific study of plants, covering their structure, growth, reproduction, and ecological roles. Plants are vital for life on Earth, providing oxygen, food for herbivores, and supporting ecosystems. This branch of biology also explores their environmental and economic significance.

Key areas of botany include:

• Plant Physiology: Focuses on processes like nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, and energy production.
• Plant Taxonomy: Classifies plants based on evolutionary relationships, aiding in identification and conservation.
• Plant Ecology: Examines plant interactions with the environment, contributing to ecosystem balance and sustainability.

A BSc in Botany provides the foundation for a career in this field, where knowledge of plants is critical for addressing global challenges like climate change, food security, and conservation.

Taxonomy

It is one of the most important branches of biology that deals with categorizing and naming organisms based on their characteristics. It involves classifying organisms into hierarchical categories, such as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. A key feature of taxonomy is binomial nomenclature, a system in which each species is given a two-part Latin name, such as Homo sapiens for humans.

Key Components of Taxonomy

• Binomial Nomenclature: A two-part naming system (e.g., Homo sapiens) that ensures each organism has a unique name.
• Hierarchical Classification: Organisms are grouped into categories, from broadest (domain) to most specific (species).
• Taxonomic Keys: Tools that help identify organisms based on specific characteristics.

Importance of Taxonomy

• Organizing Diversity: It provides a clear structure for the vast array of species on Earth.
• Evolutionary Insights: Helps trace relationships between species and understand evolutionary patterns.
• Conservation: Essential for identifying and protecting endangered species.
• Practical Applications: Used in medicine and agriculture to identify pathogens and pests.

Taxonomy is essential for understanding life’s diversity, organizing biological data, and facilitating communication across scientific disciplines.

Zoology

Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals. It covers a wide range of topics, including the anatomy, physiology, behavior, and classification of animals. Zoologists explore how animals interact with their environment, how they evolve, and their role in ecosystems.

Key areas in zoology include:

• Animal behavior: Understanding how animals respond to stimuli and how they communicate.
• Physiology: Examining how animal bodies function, including organ systems and metabolism.
• Evolution and classification: Studying the evolutionary history and taxonomy of animal species.

Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. These microscopic organisms play vital roles in ecosystems, the environment, and human health. Microbiologists research the biology of these organisms, how they affect other organisms, and how they can be controlled.

Key areas in microbiology include:

• Bacteriology: The study of bacteria and their role in disease, as well as their beneficial applications.
• Virology: The study of viruses and how they interact with their hosts.
• Mycology: The study of fungi, which are critical for decomposition and some human applications like food production.

Through Microbiology courses you will get to understand their metabolism and growth in a detailed way.

Mycology

Mycology is the scientific study and research of fungi. Fungi are a group of multicellular organisms that cannot make their food and play a major role in nutrient cycling in an ecosystem.

Key areas of study in mycology include:

• Fungal taxonomy: The classification of fungi into different groups based on their characteristics.
• Fungal ecology: Understanding how fungi interact with their environment, including their role in nutrient cycling.
• Medical mycology: The study of fungi that cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Some fungi can be pathogens, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, or more severe systemic infections.
• Industrial mycology: The use of fungi in industrial applications, such as the production of antibiotics (like penicillin) and food products (like cheese and mushrooms).

Phycology

Phycology, or algology, is the study of algae—simple, photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic environments. Algae play a crucial role in ecosystems as primary producers, converting sunlight into energy and contributing to oxygen production.

Key Points:

• Types of Algae: Green, brown, and red algae, each with distinct features.
• Ecological Role: Algae support marine food webs, carbon sequestration, and oxygen production.
• Industrial Uses: Algae are used in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biofuel production.

Phycology helps us understand the importance of algae in both nature and industry, from sustaining ecosystems to offering innovative solutions in biotechnology.

Parasitology

Parasitology is the study of parasites—organisms that live on or inside a host and benefit at its expense. These include protozoa (like Plasmodium causing malaria), helminths (worms), and ectoparasites (lice, fleas). Parasites can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, insect bites, or direct contact.

Key Points:

• Types of Parasites: Protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.
• Transmission: Spread through contaminated food, water, insect bites, or direct contact.
• Impact: Parasites cause various diseases with symptoms like fever and organ damage.
• Research: Focuses on understanding parasites’ life cycles to develop treatments and prevent infections.

In short, parasitology is vital for combating parasitic diseases that affect human and animal health.

Virology

Virology is the most common branch of Biology that deals with the study of viruses and viral diseases.

Physiology

Physiology is one of the lesser-known branches of Biology that studies the normal functions of various parts of living organisms.

Theoretical Biology

Theoretical Biology or Mathematical Biology is an interdisciplinary field of scientific research with applications in medicine, biology, and biotechnology and is a lucrative option when considering the branches of Biology.

Cell Biology

Cell Biology talks about the structure and function of the cell and the study revolves around the basic concept of biology that the cell is the fundamental unit of life.

Genetics

Genetics is described as the study of genes, genetic variations, and principles of heredity in living organisms. You will also be introduced to the concept of molecular genetics and genetic mapping which are important when it comes to the branches of Biology.

Ecology

Ecology deals with the study of the interaction of living organisms such as plants, animals including humans and microbial populations with one another and their physical environment.

Evolution

Evolution is the study of heritable changes and diversification in different kinds of organisms over multiple generations.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the intersection of biology and chemistry that studies various chemical and physicochemical processes that occur within the living body. This subject is best suited for students who are planning to work in medical and pharmacological fields.

Biophysics

Biophysics deals with the application of the laws of physics to biological occurrences or phenomena.

Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology is the discipline of biology that deals with the structure of proteins and nucleic acids and their functions.

Structural Biology

Structural Biology is the branch of biochemistry, biophysics, and microbiology that allows individuals to study the molecular structure of biological macromolecules.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology refers to the exploitation of biological processes such as microorganism genetic manipulation for the production of hormones, antibodies, and industrially relevant products.

Plant Physiology

Plant Physiology is the sub-discipline of Botany that deals with the physiology and functioning of plants.

Immunology

Immunology is one of the branches of biology and medicine concerned with immunity. Individuals learn immunology mechanisms like finer points of tissue transplantation and cancers. Also, immunology works on exploring the causes of autoimmunity responses.

Marine Biology

Marine Biology involves the scientific study of the behaviour and interactions of life forms and marine creatures with the oceans, seas, and other forms of the marine environment.

Photobiology

Photobiology is the scientific study of the interactions of living organisms with light including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation.

Radiobiology

Radiobiology involves the study of the action of ionizing radiation on living beings and their health effects.

The branch of biology that deals with the study of cells are Cell Biology or Cellular Biology.

Branches of Biology and Their Fathers

Here are the different branches of Biology and their fathers:

Branches of Biology	Fathers
Palaeontology	Leonardo di Vinci
Botany	Theophrastus
Immunology	Edward Jenner
Medicine	Hippocrates
Microbiology	Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
Taxonomy	Carl Linnaeus
Histology	Marie François Xavier Bichat
Indian Mycology	Edwin John Butler
Zoology	Aristotle
Modern Botany	Linnaeus
Indian Ecology	Ramdeo Misra
Indian Phycology	Parthasarthy Iyengar
Bacteriology	Louis Pasteur
Plant Physiology	Stephen Hales
Botanical Illustrations	Krateuas
Mutation Theory	Hugo de Vries
Modern Genetics	Thomas Hunt Morgan
Cytology	Robert Hooke
Modern Embryology	Karl Ernst von Baer

Why Study Different Branches of Biology?

Biology is a study of life and various life forms providing deep scientific knowledge of how all living and nonliving beings interact with each other in an environment. Specialization in the field of Biology will thus help you understand the concepts related to the sustainability of life, food quality, causes of illness, environment, and ecosystem, development of medicines, etc. Let us understand some of the key reasons to opt for branches of biology as a career:

• It helps you understand the changes in human bodies, their physical appearances, and various metabolic reactions within the body.
• From Botany and Anatomy to Biotechnology and Genetics, it provides diversity in careers.
• Large-scale problems like the existence of pollution, increasing population, growth of infections and diseases, food supply shortage, etc. can be studied and solutions can be discovered using the application of various branches of biology.
• Creates a path for scientific investigations thus enhancing your chance of establishing a flourishing career in Research.
• Encourages the concepts of basic living. It coaches individuals to plant trees in order to create a healthy environment. With knowledge about the temperature of the human body, you can build shelters effectively.

Also Read: Branches of Chemistry

Careers in Biology

Whether you’re interested in studying animals, educating families about birth defects or designing medical devices, various branches of Biology will present themselves as areas of interest to explore. The diverse scope of Biology allows professionals to make an enormous number of scientific contributions. Below is a list of job opportunities for enthusiasts and experts in Biology:

• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Bioinformatics Scientists
• Geoscientists
• Conservation Scientists and Foresters
• Environmental Specialists and Scientists
• Microbiologists
• Biomedical Engineers
• Biological Science Teachers
• Genetic Counselors
• Veterinarians
• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
• Biological Technicians
• Chemical Technicians
• Forensic Science Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technologists

Popular Universities for Biology

Below is a list of universities and colleges offering courses for life science and Biology studies:

University	Country
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USA
Stanford University	USA
Harvard University	USA
Yale University	USA
University of California – Berkeley	USA
Johns Hopkins University	US
University of Alberta	Canada
University of Queensland	Australia
La Trobe University	Australia
Newcastle University	United Kingdom
University of British Columbia	Canada
Massey University	New Zealand

Related Articles

Stem Cell Therapist	FMGE
BDS to MBBS Bridge Course	Career in Computational Biology
Courses in Biology after 12th Except for MBBS	MBA after BDS
How to Become a Geneticist?	Scope of Biology as a Career

FAQs on Branches of Biology

Are you interested to learn more about the vast world of biology? Then taking up a course from various branches of biology can benefit you in a huge way. Experts at Leverage Edu can help you identify the right course in Biology that aligns with your interests thus assisting you in taking the first step towards your dream career. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.