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morphology

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Morphology is the study of the form and structure of organisms. It is a branch of biology that focuses on the external and internal features of organisms, and how these features relate to their function and evolution.

Morphology can be divided into two main subfields:

  • Descriptive morphology: This subfield focuses on describing the form and structure of organisms. It is often used to identify and classify organisms.
  • Functional morphology: This subfield focuses on how the form and structure of organisms relate to their function. It is often used to understand how organisms move, eat, and reproduce.

Morphology is an important tool for understanding how organisms work and how they have evolved. It can also be used to identify and classify organisms, and to understand their relationships to each other.

How can the word be used?

The biologist studied the morphology of the frog.

morphology

Different forms of the word

Noun: The study of the forms and structures of organisms.

Adjective: Relating to morphology.

Verb: To study the morphology of something.

Etymology

The word "morphology" comes from the Greek words "morphē" (meaning "form") and "logos" (meaning "study of"). The word "morphology" was first used in English in the 19th century to describe the study of the forms and structures of organisms.

Question

What is morphology the study of?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define the term "morphology" in the context of biology and explain its significance in the study of organisms. Provide examples to illustrate different aspects of morphology.

Answer:

Morphology in biology refers to the study of the physical structure, form, and appearance of organisms, including their internal and external characteristics. It involves analysing the shapes, sizes, colours, and arrangements of various body parts to understand their functions and evolutionary adaptations.

Morphology is essential in the study of organisms because it provides valuable insights into their biology, behaviour, and evolutionary relationships. By examining an organism's morphology, scientists can infer its habitat, diet, locomotion, and reproductive strategies.

For example, in birds, the beak's shape can indicate their feeding preferences. Long, curved beaks are adapted for probing flowers, while short, strong beaks are ideal for cracking seeds. Similarly, in insects, the morphology of wings can reveal their flying capabilities. Dragonflies have large, strong wings for swift flight, while butterflies' delicate wings enable precise manoeuvring.

In plants, leaf morphology varies widely. Needle-like leaves of pine trees reduce water loss, while broad leaves of deciduous trees maximize photosynthesis. The arrangement of petals, stamens, and pistils in flowers is crucial for pollination and reproduction.