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'''Morphology''' is the branch of [[biology]] that deals with the structure of plants and animals, and with relationships between their structures. The term is also used to refer to the physical appearance, i.e. size, shape, color, texture, and location of something, e.g. the morphology of a cancerous mole versus a benign one. | '''Morphology''' is the branch of [[biology]] that deals with the structure of plants and animals, and with relationships between their structures. The term is also used to refer to the physical appearance, i.e. size, shape, color, texture, and location of something, e.g. the morphology of a cancerous mole versus a benign one. | ||
== | ==Etymology== | ||
The word morphology came into English in the mid 19th century from Greek words ''μορφή (morph)'' meaning "shape or form" and ''λόγος (logos)'' meaning "speak". In English the suffix "-(o)logy" means "the study of". For ancient Greeks, study often involved a great deal of debate; and this is still true for scientists today. | The word morphology came into English in the mid 19th century from Greek words ''μορφή (morph)'' meaning "shape or form" and ''λόγος (logos)'' meaning "speak". In English the suffix "-(o)logy" means "the study of". For ancient Greeks, study often involved a great deal of debate; and this is still true for scientists today. | ||
Revision as of 19:37, 19 February 2007
parent article - biology
Definition
Morphology is the branch of biology that deals with the structure of plants and animals, and with relationships between their structures. The term is also used to refer to the physical appearance, i.e. size, shape, color, texture, and location of something, e.g. the morphology of a cancerous mole versus a benign one.
Etymology
The word morphology came into English in the mid 19th century from Greek words μορφή (morph) meaning "shape or form" and λόγος (logos) meaning "speak". In English the suffix "-(o)logy" means "the study of". For ancient Greeks, study often involved a great deal of debate; and this is still true for scientists today.
Morphology vs Anatomy
The terms morphology and anatomy are almost synonymous and are often used interchangeably. However, morphology is more likely to be used in relation to plants and comparative anatomy, while the term anatomy is more likely to be used in relation to animals, epecially mammals, and humans in particular. In medicine, morphology more often refers to the study of shape, general appearance, or form of a person's body (see also somatotype), as distinct from anatomy, which requires dissection to reveal structure.
Related words:
- the form and structure of natural communities
- a person's facial features or expression, especially in relation to the indication of character or ethnic origin.