Botany - Fields of Study (Concise)

Morphology

  • External Morphology: study and description of external characters of plant organs (root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed)

  • Internal Morphology: study of internal structure of plant organs

    • Histology: study of tissues

    • Anatomy: study of gross internal details of plant organs (root, stem, leaf, flower, etc.)

Cytology (Cell Biology)

  • Structure and functions of cell and cell organelles and their multiplication

Embryology

  • Development of male and female gametophytes, formation of gametes, fertilization, development of embryo, endosperm and seed

Palynology

  • Study of development, structure, and aspects related to microspores or pollen grains

Plant Taxonomy

  • Identification, nomenclature and classification of plants into related groups based on information from Botany

Plant Physiology

  • Study of vital activities of plants: absorption of water and minerals, photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen metabolism, growth, etc.

Plant Ecology

  • Study of reciprocal relationship between plants and the environment in which they live

Palaeobotany

  • Study of fossil plants; helps understand the course of evolution in plants

Genetics

  • Genes: structure, synthesis, inheritance, mutations, etc.

Phytogeography

  • Study of distribution of plants in different parts of the globe during past and present periods

Phycology

  • Study of all aspects related to algae (chlorophyllous and autotrophic thallophytes)

Mycology

  • Study of fungi (non-chlorophyllous, heterotrophic thallophytes)

Lichenology

  • Study of lichens (algal and fungal members live together as symbionts); mostly grow on rocks

Bryology

  • Study of bryophytes

Pteridology

  • Study of pteridophytes (the first vascular plants; called ‘Vascular Cryptogams’)

Microbiology

  • Study of all microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoans, etc.

Bacteriology

  • Study of bacteria

Virology

  • Study of viruses

Pomology

  • Study of fruits and fruit-yielding plants

Anthology

  • Study of flowers

Agrostology

  • Study of grasses or lawns

Dendrology or Xylology

  • Study of shrubs and trees

Dendrochronology

  • Determination of age of trees by counting annual rings

Phenology

  • Study of seasonal changes in plants

Xylotomy

  • Study of wood or xylem vessels