Models in biology: form and function

Abstract

The relationships between physical and biological sciences are important in science education. This is shown in the links between the structure of biological science and the use of models. Although the physical sciences contain many principles of wide application, much of biology consists of very distinct examples. When these examples are used as models of organisms or processes, misunderstanding can occur if the characteristics of the model are used to make inaccurate generalizations. In biological education, stress on the importance of unique features must continually accompany the demonstration of similarities.

Theoretical models are constructed and reconstructed by students learning science, particularly in relation to broadly applicable principles. In biology a student may build a theoretical model of a subject which is itself a model used as an example. Distinct features of biological science may influence a variety of learning situations including problem solving.