Experimental biology encompasses a set of approaches within the field of

biology Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It is a broad natural science that encompasses a wide range of fields and unifying principles that explain the structure, function, growth, History of life, origin, evolution, and ...

focused on conducting experiments to investigate and understand biological phenomena. This term contrasts with theoretical biology, which deals with mathematical modeling and abstractions of biological systems. The methodologies employed in experimental biology are diverse and multidisciplinary, including molecular, biochemical, biophysical, microscopic, and microbiological techniques. Experimental biology is a branch of biology grounded in the application of the

scientific method The scientific method is an Empirical evidence, empirical method for acquiring knowledge that has been referred to while doing science since at least the 17th century. Historically, it was developed through the centuries from the ancient and ...

to formulate and test hypotheses through the controlled manipulation of variables in reproducible experiments. Unlike observational or theoretical approaches, this field emphasizes establishing causal relationships between biological phenomena via rigorous experimental designs. The formulation of testable questions and systematic data collection are critical to ensuring experimental validity. Rigorous application of this method reduces uncertainty in biological research and yields quantifiable, reproducible results. Experimental design in biology requires the implementation of controls, replication, and randomization to minimize bias. The inclusion of control groups and comparison with experimental treatments enable attribution of specific effects to manipulated variables. Randomization in sample and treatment allocation prevents systematic biases that could compromise result interpretation. Variable control is fundamental in biological experiments to ensure observed changes are directly attributable to the studied variable. Modern techniques have enhanced this process, enabling higher precision and reducing external factor interference. Standardized protocols and advanced analytical tools have improved the identification of causal relationships in biological systems. Experimental reproducibility is a key requirement for scientific validity. In experimental biology, inadequate replication risks misinterpretation and hinders generalizable knowledge. Open data practices and detailed protocol publication have been proposed as strategies to enhance reproducibility. The development of reproducible research practices and consensus-building strategies has gained prominence in the scientific community. Reports indicate that less than 10% of studies in this discipline publish reusable data, complicating result validation and collaboration. Promoting open data and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) standards has been advocated to improve transparency. Within scientific publishing, experimental biology has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Increased data requirements for publication have extended timelines for researchers, particularly doctoral students and postdocs, to publish their first articles. This trend has sparked discussions on strategies to accelerate scientific dissemination without compromising quality.

Gallery

File:Apex reorientation in Pinus pinaster during the first 24h after plant inclination - 1471-2229-10-217-S1.ogv, Visualizing

gravitropism Gravitropism (also known as geotropism) is a coordinated process of differential growth by a plant in response to gravity pulling on it. It also occurs in fungi. Gravity can be either "artificial gravity" or natural gravity. It is a general feat ...

in '' Pinus pinaster'' after artificially inclining the plant. File:A large male Bolitotherus cornutus undergoing a grip strength trial.ogv,

Grip strength Grip strength is the force applied by the hand to pull on or suspend from objects and is a specific part of hand strength. Optimum-sized objects permit the hand to wrap around a cylindrical shape with a diameter from to . Stair rails are an examp ...

measurement in the beetle ''

Bolitotherus cornutus ''Bolitotherus cornutus'' is a North American species of darkling beetle known as the horned fungus beetle or forked fungus beetle. All of its life stages are associated with the fruiting bodies of a wood-decaying shelf fungus, commonly ''Ganoder ...

''. File:Archer fish shooting at prey.ogv, Observing an archerfish shooting at prey. File:Human-Mediated-Dispersal-of-Seeds-by-the-Airflow-of-Vehicles-pone.0052733.s001.ogv, Measuring

seed dispersal In spermatophyte plants, seed dispersal is the movement, spread or transport of seeds away from the parent plant. Plants have limited mobility and rely upon a variety of dispersal vectors to transport their seeds, including both abiotic vectors, ...

caused by a passing car's

slipstream A slipstream is a region behind a moving object in which a wake of fluid (typically air or water) is moving at velocities comparable to that of the moving object, relative to the ambient fluid through which the object is moving. The term slips ...

References

{{Authority control Biological techniques and tools Branches of biology