Why do biologists need to know calculus?

Alfred Lotka applied differential equations to population dynamics. Vito Volterra independently developed predator-prey models. Alan Turing used calculus modeling morphogen diffusion and pattern formation. Modern biologists employ calculus throughout quantitative biology—population ecology, epidemiology, physiology, systems biology. Mathematical biology emerged as discipline bridging mathematics and life sciences.

Leonor Michaelis and Maud Menten derived enzyme kinetics rate equations in 1913. Alfred Lotka and Vito Volterra developed population dynamics equations. Biophysicists apply rate equations to ion channels, receptors, and molecular motors. Systems biologists construct rate equation models of metabolic and regulatory networks.