bio-, bi-, -bia, -bial, -bian, -bion, -biont, -bius, -biosis, -bium, -biotic, -biotical

(Greek: life; living, live, alive)

Don’t confuse this element with another bi- which means "two".

The most important things in life are not things.

—Anonymous
scotobiology
1. The science of darkness and the positive responses of biological systems to the presence of darkness, and not merely the negative effects caused by the absence of light.
2. The study of light pollution at night as it directly impacts biological existence which is usually specifically affected by darkness.

Plants and animals are programmed to function in a certain pattern of daylight and darkness. Alter those patterns and unhealthy things often happen.

It applies equally to organisms that are active at night and those, including humans, whose bodies require regular periods with the lights out.

Some people believe that as with all types of pollution, light pollution contaminates the natural environment and produces side effects that should be mitigated or avoided, if possible, to create a balance between necessary urban light levels and a healthy environment.

sociobiologist
A specialist in sociobiology or someone who studies the biological and genetic basis of social organization and social behavior and their evolution in animals.
sociobiology
The study of the biological and genetic basis of social organization and social behavior and their evolution in animals, a field of study that has caused controversy when applied to human social behavior and organization.
speleobiologist
A person who specializes in the study of organisms that live in caves.
stenobionic
A reference to an organism requiring a stable uniform habitat.
stenobiontic
A reference to an organism requiring a stable uniform habitat.
subbiochore
Dispersal by a subgroup of similar biotopes (environmental conditions suitable for certain fauna and flora) in a specific geographical habitat; a subdivided habitat.
subbiochorous
subbiochory
superbiochore
Dispersal by several groups of biotopes or several fauna and flora habitats collectively.
superbiochorous
superbiochory
symbiology
The study of symbiosis.
symbion
An organism associated with another in symbiosis; a symbiotic organism.
symbiont
An organism participating in a symbiotic relationship.

The term tends to be used more in reference to mutualists (relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other) than to parasites, commensals (relationship in which one species derives some benefit while the other is unaffected), or other types of symbionts.

Quiz If you would like to take a series of self-scoring quizzes over some of the words in this bio- unit, then click this Life, Live, Living Quiz link so you can check your knowledge. You may also try several additional quizzes in this listing.

Related life, live-word units: anima-; -cole; vita-; viva-.