What exactly is holistic biology and what are some examples of it? Thank you.
Check this site.
(Broken Link Removed)
This site isn't very helpful, I'm afraid.
Holistic biology uses several disciplines to study an organism. Check these paragraphs taken from the above website for examples.
"When we look at a tree growing in isolation in an open field (Figure 6) we are likely to overlook the fact that it is growing in a specific environment, under specific environmental conditions. These conditions influence the form of the plant, even if they are transparent to us. If we ignore the context, we can view the form of the tree as the most ideal and perfect representation of the species."
"This illusion is shattered when we find the same species (a lime in this case) growing under different conditions. In certain contexts we find lime trees with a single tall trunk and little crown (Figure 7: north facing slopes)."
"In others we find them with an almost shrub-like habit (Figure 8: south slopes). A tree's form is influenced by the environmental conditions under which it grows. These conditions include not only physical factors, but also the forms of the other trees growing in the same area."
Other examples are given in the web site.
Aren't those examples just explaining that the environment should be examined because it plays a role on the individual?
Is that really all the holistic view is about? I thought it had something to do with only looking at the whole and the input and the output, not what is going on inside. I just can't totally apply this to biology.
Apparently holistic biology isn't a very common or popular concept. Just as holistic medicine looks at the whole person -- spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual -- holistic biology looks at the entire organism -- its environment as well as its individual parts.
I Googled "holistic biology," looked at many web sites, and these were the best I found. You may want to check a college library to see what may be there that's not available on the internet.
I checked Steven Jay Gould, and although the term holistic biolgy doesn't seem to be associated with him, you may want to read about his work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Jay_Gould
Stanford University offers a class in holistic biology.
http://holisticbiology.stanford.edu/faculty.html
A final thought --
It's said that biologists who study birds keep their eyes raised to the sky and treetops. Biologists who study plants keep their eyes on the ground. Perhaps holistic biology aims to have all biologists be aware of everything that surrounds life.
Okay thanks.
Holistic biology, also known as holistic science or systems biology, is an approach to studying biological phenomena by considering them within the context of larger systems. It seeks to understand the complex interactions and relationships between various components of a biological system, rather than studying individual parts in isolation. This approach recognizes that biological systems are interconnected and that their behavior cannot be fully understood by examining their individual parts alone.
To get a better understanding of holistic biology and its examples, you can follow these steps:
1. Read books and articles: Look for scientific literature that discusses holistic biology or systems biology. This will give you an in-depth understanding of the concepts and principles behind this approach.
2. Explore research papers: Search for scientific research papers that apply holistic biology to specific areas of study, such as ecology, genetics, or physiology. These papers will provide concrete examples of how holistic biology is being applied in various fields.
3. Attend conferences and seminars: Attend scientific conferences or seminars focused on holistic biology or systems biology. These events often bring together experts in the field who share their research and insights, offering real-world examples of this approach.
4. Consult with experts: Reach out to scientists or researchers who specialize in holistic biology. They can provide you with firsthand knowledge and examples from their own work.
Examples of holistic biology can be found in various disciplines, such as:
- Ecosystems: Holistic biology can help understand how different species interact within an ecosystem, considering factors like food webs, nutrient cycling, and energy flow.
- Genetics: It can be used to study complex gene-environment interactions, epigenetics (changes in gene expression), and the systems-level regulation of gene networks.
- Physiology: Holistic biology allows for a systems-level understanding of how different organs and physiological processes interact to maintain homeostasis in organisms.
- Evolutionary biology: It can help explore how natural selection and evolution shape populations and species over time, considering both genetic and environmental factors.
Remember, by diving into scientific literature, attending events, and consulting with experts, you will gain a deeper understanding of holistic biology and its diverse applications.