How did biology became a branch of science?

Answer 1

Biology became a career around the time of Charles Darwin. Before his time, they were called naturalists, and usually had personal wealth prior to their becoming a naturalist. This was because the study of biology went against the church, and few dared to oppose the church. With this in mind, there was no money to be made in the field. After Darwin made his discoveries however, people started to see the importance of biology and it was supported by more people and funding became available.

sources: currently enrolled in AP Biology, interviews with teachers, currently researching the career of biology