Zoology: Definition, History, Importance, Branches, & Examples

Definition Of Zoology

Put simply, zoology is the study of animals as used in science. Zoology encompasses an entire range of livelihood, from the anatomy and physiology of animals to their evolutionary history and ecological relationships them.

What Is Zoology?

Zoology is the study of biology that deals with the different aspects of animals. This is a vast discipline that learns about the interaction between animals and their environments, classification, physiology, behaviour, and evolution. The zoologists trace the mystery in nature by studying the various lives of animals, which helps our understanding of the balance in nature that sustains life in ecosystems.

Historical Roots And Development Of Zoology

Zoology in its nascent stage can be traced as early as ancient Greece, when the great Greek philosopher Aristotle, known as the father of Zoology, laid a basic structure regarding the classification of living organisms. A milestone brought about by Aristotle was initially classifying life forms into two major groups: animals and plants. His major classifications included dividing animals into those with blood and those without, then further into subcategories like locomotion-walking, flying, and swimming-which remained valid until the 16th century.

Zoology, as a branch of Biology experienced a major turning point during the Age of Enlightenment in the 16th and 17th centuries. Increased scientific studies during that period led to the forthcoming of more sophisticated means of classification. Presently, the kingdom Animalia is classified under a five-kingdom classification system of animals but is further divided into phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species.

Also Read:

• Animal Kingdom Animalia Subphylum

• Animal Kingdom Basis Classification

• Mammalia: Definition, Characteristics, Classification, Features

Branches Of Zoology

Zoology is a vast field that comprises many sub-disciplines, each dealing with particular aspects of animal life. Some of the main branches of zoology include:

Classification Of The Animal Kingdom

The animal kingdom is a diverse and complex realm wherein there are different species, each with certain unique characteristics and adaptations. The classification system followed in zoology works to systematically organize and understand how these various animals relate to one another. Major groups within the animal kingdom include:

1. Vertebrates Groups: Those that possess a backbone, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.

2. Invertebrates: Those that do not possess a backbone, including insects, molluscs, and worms.

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Characteristics Of Animals

Animals possess certain distinctive features which can help distinguish them from other life forms. These are enumerated as under:

• Multicellular Structure: Animals possess more than one cell which co-operatively performs many functions

• Heterotrophic Nutrition: They cannot produce their food and rely on other living sources for deriving energy

• Mobility: Most animals can have locomotion skills at some stages of their lives.

• Nervous System: Most animals have a developed nervous system to process information and respond to the environment.

• Sensory Organs: Well-developed sense organs make it possible for an animal to perceive the surroundings in which it may be living.

Also Read:

• Human respiratory system

• Body Fluids and Circulation

• Excretory System: Excretory Organs and Types

• Human Body And Its Movements

• Human Digestive System

Examples Of Animal Kingdom

The animal kingdom consists of a large number of species. Each animal is specially adapted to certain conditions that constitute the environment of an individual. Grouping into different categories makes identification and studies easier. These are grouped into the following examples:

Also Read:

• Origin and Evolution of Man

• Reproduction in Animals

• Control and Coordination

• Endocrine System

Conclusion

Zoology is a fast-changing field and one of endless fascination both to the scientist and the lover of nature. Thus, by studying the minute interrelationships between animal and environmental factors, zoologists help us realise just how fragile this balance that supports life on Earth is. No doubt, as more and more discoveries are made and technologies advance, this field will continue to expand its wings and respond to many mysteries of the animal kingdom, inspiring future generations about natural wonders.