Difference between Biology and Life Science

Biology and life science may seem similar but they both have a major difference. When we talk about the core subject where we can learn about life forms, how they evolve, their anatomy, features and their inter-relationship, It is called Biology. Life science can be seen as the more technical or applied part of biology. A good grasp of biology is needed in order to master life science. Biology can be seen as the basics to get an in-depth knowledge of life Science. 

What is Biology?

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Biology is a core subject. It mainly comprises two parts one that deals with animals and the other that deals with plants. Biology deals with the origin of life, their functions, features, inter-relationships, the diseases, their spread, vaccines, medicines and preventive measures. Zoology is the sub-discipline that deals with the animal and their related taxonomy, nomenclature and process of evolution. The other major sub-discipline that deals with the plant kingdom is botany. Botany deals with the growth and development of plants, plant diseases and prevention. 

Branches of Biology
Branches of Biology

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What is Life Science?

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Life science is a technical part of Biology. Life science, also called biological science, is the advanced form of biology. Unlike biology, there are many different fields with life science that will help you gain more applied knowledge. Some of the branches are biotechnology, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, etc. More emphasis would be given for technical concepts in Life sciences like the concept of transformation which can be used to insert the desired genes into another organism. 

Types of Sciences
Types of Sciences

Difference between Biology and Life Science

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Now, let us compare these two subjects so that you can have a better understanding.

Biology  Life Science 
It is considered to be the core science. It has more technical science.
It is necessary to build the basic concept. It has all the applied concepts.
It has mainly two sub-disciplines: botany and zoology. It has many sub-disciplines: biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, etc.
It is broader when compared to life science. It can be divided into more narrow and expert fields.
It is natural science. It is also called biological science and deals with the scientific and technical study.

Things to Remember 

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  • Biology deals with the core subject and has two groups. 
  • Botany deals with plants and their related aspect of study and Zoology deals with animals and their related concepts.
  • Life science deals with the technical aspect of all branches of Biology.
  • The applied knowledge can only be used if you have your basics clear therefore make sure to clear them out before starting. 

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Sample Questions

Ques: What is Biotechnology? [2 marks]

Ans: Biotechnology is the branch of life science that deals with the exploitation of biological science for industrial purposes or to enhance the production of biological products. It has other uses like to increase the shelf life or to transform the organism according to our desire for research purposes etc. 

Ques: What is the importance of biology? [2 marks]

Ans: As you now know that biology deals with the biological/living forms. It helps to understand our surroundings and relate the day-to-day processes that take place in nature. This way we can try to prevent the overexploitation of biological forms.

Ques: Which one is better between biology and life science? [2 marks]

Ans: You cannot separate as such between the two, but if you learn the basics and want to deal with the core biology part like zoology and botany then you should go with Biology. If you are more of a technical person and want to learn the applications of the techniques and want to get in-depth knowledge about certain streams then go with life science. If you are an option for life science then make sure to clear all your basics first to make the learning easier and more interesting. 

Ques: What does molecular biology deal with? [2 marks]

Ans: Molecular biology deals with biology at a molecular level. It revolves around the central dogma that is replication, transcription, and translation. It helps us know what exactly is going with the living form at a molecular level and can be used for treatment or diagnostic purposes. 

Molecular biology

Ques: What are the two main branches of biology? [2 marks]

Ans: Unlike life science, biology can be majorly divided into two branches that is zoology and botany. Zoology is the branch that deals with the animals and botany are the branch that deals with the plant kingdom.

Ques: What is Biology? [2 marks]

Ans: Biology is the core part of the subject that does not contain technical knowledge. Taxonomy, classification, evolution, comparing anatomy all can be learned in biology.

Ques: Why is Life Science more of a technical part? [2 marks]

Ans: when Life Science is compared with biology, it is seen that it has more conceptual topics and tells more techniques. If you want to gain the technical knowledge which can be applied then life science is the best option.

Ques. What are some of the branches of Biology? [2 marks]

Ans. Some of the branches of Biology are as follows:

  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Taxonomy
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

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CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.

    Assertion (A) : The pyramid of biomass in a pond aquatic ecosystem is always inverted.

    Reason (R) : The biomass of consumers like fishes far exceeds that of the producers like phytoplanktons.

      • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
      • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
      • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
      • Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

    • 2.

      "Indo-Burma" is considered as a hotspot. What is meant by the term "hotspots" in biodiversity ? List two criteria used for determining a "hotspot". Name any two hotspots of India.


        • 3.
          In Pisum sativum, the flower colour may be violet (V) or white (v). What proportion of the offspring in a cross of "VV × vv" would be expected to be violet?

            • 25%
            • 50%
            • 75%
            • 100%

          • 4.

            A student performed some crosses in plants and represented the result in the form of bar graphs as shown below. Each graph displays the phenotypic proportion of the progeny. Study the graphs and answer the questions :

            (c) What conclusion can you draw from the results of bar graphs of crosses I and II ? Name the genetic principle illustrated.


              • 5.
                Monascus purpureus is a yeast used commercially in the production of which one of the following?

                  • Ethanol
                  • Streptokinase
                  • Citric acid
                  • Statins

                • 6.
                  Identify the parts P, Q, R, S in the figure given below and select the option in the correct order.

                    • P - Seed, Q - Thalamus, R - Mesocarp, S - Endocarp
                    • P - Thalamus, Q - Seed, R - Endocarp, S - Mesocarp
                    • P - Seed, Q - Thalamus, R - Endocarp, S - Mesocarp
                    • P - Thalamus, Q - Seed, R - Mesocarp, S - Endocarp
                  CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

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