Workers in this unit group conduct pure research into all forms of life to increase scientific knowledge and applied research to develop practical applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture and forestry. Their functions include: planning and conducting field and laboratory studies of the origin, development, functions, structure, distribution, environment, interrelationships and other aspects of life-forms; co-ordinating, analysing and evaluating data obtained and preparing reports of findings and conclusions for use in such fields as medicine, agriculture, forestry and pharmaceuticals manufacture.