The Biological Method
It is often referred to as the scientific method in the context of biology, is a systematic process
used to investigate natural phenomena. The steps typically include:
Observation: Noticing a phenomenon or problem in the natural world.
Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation for the observation.
Experiment: Designing and conducting controlled tests to evaluate the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting the data collected from the experiment.
Conclusion: Determining whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted, and refining it if
necessary.
Applying the Biological Method to Malaria: An Example
The biological method was historically applied to understand the transmission of malaria, a
disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by mosquitoes.
1. Observation
Historical Context: In the late 19th century, malaria was a major health problem in tropical
regions, causing fever, chills, and death. Physicians observed that malaria was more common in
swampy, mosquito-infested areas, but the cause was unclear.
Example Observation: People living near marshes were more likely to contract malaria than
those in drier areas.
2. Question
Question Formed: What causes malaria, and how is it transmitted to humans?
At the time, some believed malaria was caused by "bad air" (miasma) from swamps, while others
suspected a biological agent.
3. Hypothesis
Hypothesis: Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
This hypothesis was proposed by scientists like Ronald Ross, who suspected mosquitoes as
vectors based on earlier work by others, such as Alphonse Laveran, who identified Plasmodium
parasites in the blood of malaria patients.
4. Experiment
Experimental Design: Ronald Ross conducted experiments in the 1890s in India to test this
hypothesis:
He allowed Anopheles mosquitoes to bite malaria-infected patients and then dissected the
mosquitoes to look for parasites.
He observed the life cycle of Plasmodium in the mosquito’s stomach and salivary glands.
He also conducted controlled experiments where healthy volunteers were exposed to infected
mosquitoes to see if they developed malaria, while others were protected from bites.
Control Measures: Ross ensured some groups were not exposed to mosquitoes (control group)
to compare with those exposed (experimental group), ruling out other factors like water or air.
5. Analysis
Data Collected: Ross found Plasmodium parasites in the salivary glands of Anopheles
mosquitoes, confirming they were carriers. Volunteers bitten by infected mosquitoes developed
malaria, while those protected did not.
6. Conclusion
Result: The hypothesis was supported—malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted
via Anopheles mosquito bites.
Impact: This discovery spurred public health interventions, such as draining swamps, using
mosquito nets, and developing antimalarial drugs.