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Biologist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฌ
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biologist

[baษชหˆษ’lษ™dส’ษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

science

A biologist is a scientist who studies living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and behavior.

Synonyms

life scientist, naturalist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
biologist

Same as the above, also used in general settings to indicate a person's profession or expertise in biology.

  • Jacob is a biologist who works for a pharmaceutical company, researching new drugs.
life scientist

Commonly used in scientific communities and industries to broadly describe professionals studying living organisms, which may include biology but also extends to fields like biotechnology and medicine.

  • As a life scientist, Maria focuses on understanding human genetics to advance medical treatments.
  • Tech companies employ life scientists to develop new bioinformatics tools.
naturalist

Refers to someone interested in studying and observing wildlife and natural environments, often in a more informal or conservation-focused setting.

  • John, a passionate naturalist, spends his weekends hiking and documenting bird species.
  • The famous naturalist, Charles Darwin, made groundbreaking observations about evolution on the Galapagos Islands.

Examples of usage

  • The biologist conducted research on the mating habits of birds.
  • Many biologists work in laboratories to analyze samples of plant and animal tissues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Contributions

  • Charles Darwin, a famous biologist, is known for his theory of evolution, explaining how species change over time.
  • Louis Pasteur's work in microbiology set the foundation for understanding germs and their role in diseases.
  • Rosalind Franklin's research played a critical role in discovering the DNA structure, essential for biology.

Pop Culture

  • Biologists are often depicted in movies and books as adventurous scientists, exploring jungles or studying wildlife.
  • Fictional biologists like Dr. Ian Malcolm from 'Jurassic Park' illustrate the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
  • The popular TV show 'Bones' features a forensic anthropologist, combining biology and crime solving.

Modern Impact

  • Biologists contribute to conservation efforts, ensuring endangered species and habitats are protected.
  • They play a significant role in medical research, helping to develop treatments and vaccines.
  • Biologists also study ecosystems, addressing climate change and its effects on wildlife.

Education and Career

  • Typically, becoming a biologist requires at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.
  • Many biologists continue their studies with master's or doctorate degrees to specialize further.
  • The field offers diverse career options, from research and academia to environmental consulting and healthcare.

Origin of 'biologist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'biologist' comes from the Greek word 'bios,' meaning life, and the suffix '-logist,' meaning someone who studies.
  • It was first used in the early 19th century, cementing the profession as science evolved.
  • Biologists may specialize in various fields, such as zoology (animals) or botany (plants).

The term 'biologist' originated in the early 19th century from the Greek words 'bios' meaning life and 'logos' meaning study. Biologists have played a crucial role in understanding the complexities of the natural world and have made significant contributions to various fields of science.

See also: bio, biography, biologic, biology, biosphere, biota, biotech.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,080, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.