Zoology, a branch of biology, is the scientific study of animals including
protozoa, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. In other words, Zoology is
the science which deals with study of animals and their existence in the
environment. It encompasses the structure, anatomy, characteristics, behaviour,
distribution, mode of nutrition, physiology, genetics and evolution of
animal species. In short it is the branch of science where animals, their
structures, development and classification are studied. While studying
Zoology you study the biology and genetics of animals including marine
life, zoo animals, and animals in the wild and even household pets. The
subject tells us how the animals think, why they act the way they do,
where they live and why, how they have adapted to the environment, and
much more.
Those specialising in this field are called Zoologists. Zoologists study
animal behaviors, specie characteristics, and evolutionary trends in animals.
Zoologists are also called animal biologists or scientists, as zoology
is the branch of biology that relates to the animal kingdom. Zoologists
specialising in the study of birds are called Ornithologists, those studying
fish and their habitats are known as Icthyologists like wise those Zoologists
who study amphibians and reptiles are known by the name Herpetologists
and those involved with mammals are called Mammalogists.
Zoologists study or work directly with different species of animals
not only in Zoos, but also in their natural habitats, i.e. forests. A
zoologist is responsible for preparing reports on various traits and aspects
of animals, birds, mammals, insects, fishes and worms and managing them
at different places. Zoologists work in the field and in the laboratory
with all sorts of high technology including DNA identification, and they
develop databanks of information that capture data on animals that are
now even extinct.
