Integrative Biology: Science for the 21st Century
Wake M. et al, 2008
Description of Integrative Biology by M H Wake
At the very first, Wake claims that Integrative Biology is essential & effective approach to fix issues of 21st century.
Way of |‘Perceiving’, ‘Practicing’ and ‘transforming’| the science, its processes and results.
She links Integrative Biology (IB) with ‘integrative science’ - providing glimpse that IB is integrative science where the concepts of biology are involved. Wake M. 2008 - Integrative Biology, page 1
Describes IB as bridging disciplines, spanning levels of biological organization, taxa and over short (e.g. physiological) & long (e.g. evolutionary) time. Wake M. 2008 - Integrative Biology, page 1
Integrative Approach can be there individually as well as collaboratively - Wake M. 2008 - Integrative Biology, page 2
Contrasting from Systems Biology
She contrasts systems biology (SB) from integrative biology in following manner, based on some (Henry, 2003) work:
Systems Biology is 'interative approach' in which scientists study pathways & networks...
And adds that integrative biology approach includes systems approach but not the other way around. Wake M. 2008 - Integrative Biology, page 2
Claims
- Wake suggests that IB benefits most in areas that cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries. For example, climate change, ecosystem function, sustainability & conservation etc. Wake M. 2008 - Integrative Biology, page 2
- Current educational methods are not well aligned for this approach. Wake M. 2008 - Integrative Biology, page 2