18 Introductory Biology 



One of the most important and valuable assets to be acquired for 

 successful living is an understanding of human beings^ both collectively 

 and as individuals. Much of the lack of success in the family, in society, 

 in government, in business, and in the world at large is due to a mis- 

 understanding of human beings by other human beings. A biologic 

 study of such phases as heredity, endocrine secretions, personal and 

 public heahh, sanitation, abnormalities and diseases, normal and abnor- 

 mal human behavior, as well as balanced and perspective viewpoints 

 in the fields of society and government, can help materially in our at- 

 tempt to live happily and successfully. A consideration of the relative 

 effects of environment and heredity on the various types of human- 

 beings can aid us in our understanding of education, social progress, 

 crime, and human diseases and abnormalities. The science of eugenics 

 contributes quite materially to our proper understanding of the prob- 

 lems and progress of human welfare. A biologic study of variations 

 makes us realize that all living things are constantly changing; that the 

 "most invariable thing in nature is variability." This one factor can 

 go far in explaining many of the results of human conduct. In spite 

 of this variation in the living world, biology will reveal also a unity 

 within the animal and plant kingdoms, a method for living happily and 

 harmoniously, if we are able to acquire from nature the rules and regu- 

 lations. One of the most important contributions of biology is our 

 familiarity with the more important biologic theories and laws which 

 have materially aided in man's progress and thinking. In other words, 

 the cultural values of a natural science, such as biology, are immeasurable. 



We have recently come to realize the great importance of our natural 

 resources. Biology will help us understand and will encourage the 

 enactment of such economic regulations as will tend to conserve our 

 natural resources, such as health, forests, wild animals, fish, and wild 

 plants. Such a study also will help us to learn the economic importance 

 of animals and plants, particularly as they relate to medicine, industry, 

 landscaping, agriculture, horticulture, and plant and animal diseases. 

 Such a study also will increase our appreciation and interest in the 

 great out-of-doors. Because of the enormous numbers of insects and 

 their destructive habits, the present time has been called the age of 

 insects. It is only through a study of insects that we will understand 

 'their role in nature, their economic importance beneficially and detri- 

 mentally, and desirable methods of control. In order to make worth- 

 while progress in conservation work, we must understand the causes and 



