The scientific study of life is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name of the scientific study of life in general, not just one group of living things.

Step 2: Explain the concept The word "Biology" comes from two Greek words:

• bios = life
• logos = study

So Biology literally means "the study of life." It covers all living things, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Botany is the study of plants only. It is too narrow.
• B. Biology is the study of all life. This fits the question.
• C. Zoology is the study of animals only. It is also too narrow.
• D. Ecology is the study of how living things relate to each other and to their environment. It is a branch of biology, not the whole field.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. Biology.

Tip: Many branch names end in "-logy," which means "study of." Look at the part before it to see the scope:

• Bio = life, so biology covers everything living
• Zoo = animals
• Botan- = plants
• Eco = environment

If the question says "life" in general, choose the broadest term, which is Biology.