essay on zoology

Free Zoology Essay Examples & Topics

Zoology is the study of animals. As the branch of biology dedicated to studying the animal kingdom, it can be theoretical as well as practical. The field is constantly evolving along with our understanding. Today, there are as many different approaches to zoology as there are animals on planet Earth.

The branches of zoology often cross and intersect. A zoology student can choose one depending on the kind of creature they’re interested in. For example, an entomologist would be concerned with studying insects. Meanwhile, an ornithologist would focus on birds and their lifecycles. Zoologists can also specify in studying animal morphology (animal anatomy), ethology (animal behavior), etc.

If you are tasked with writing a zoology essay, you know the many options this discipline presents you with. That’s why our team has prepared this article. We have compiled tips on structuring your writing process. Besides, we’ve listed original zoology essay questions and topics. You will also find sample papers written by students like yourself at the bottom of this page.

How to Write a Zoology Essay

Writing an essay on zoology entails large amounts of research. You should be ready to delve into studies and journal articles, creating a trustworthy reference list. Your viewpoints should be supported by evidence and citations. It may seem overwhelming at first. So, we have created a step-by-step guide to break down the process.

To write a clear and comprehensive essay about zoology, try the following:

• Decide on the type of essay you will be writing. For your zoology assignment, you can use many different styles if not specified otherwise. You could write a compare and contrast essay to talk about various animal species. Or compose an analytical paper to evaluate a piece of research. Deciding on what you want to accomplish is the first step to success.
• Find or come up with a topic. Getting a good idea for your essay is essential in making sure you do well. Even if your professor gives you a list to choose from, you need to approach the task carefully. Use your general knowledge and preferences to determine which idea would be most interesting to write about.
• Conduct your research. Keeping your topic in mind, browse through the Internet and your local library to find reliable sources. Ensure that there is enough information available for a solid study.
• Write a thesis statement. It will be the point that you will be proving throughout your essay. It should be concise and easy to get so that your reader immediately understands your idea. Our thesis generator can create it for you.
• Create the outline of your essay. As per usual, your zoology essay will have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Don’t forget about your thesis statement when writing your paper. It is your focus point. Thus, the content of your essay should reflect it.
• Write and edit your paper. Having the outline should make the writing process much more manageable. Tie your main arguments together and read the essay upon finishing. Make sure to proofread it as well – or do it automatically with a grammar checker . Editing is a key part of any successful essay.
• Add a reference list. Ideally, you should note down every reference that you need when conducting your research. Write down each source as soon as you are done with it. This way, your bibliography will be complete before you even start writing. Then, you can simply add it to the bottom of your essay.

Double-check which citation style is required of you. They are quite distinct when it comes to details. Disregarding citation and referencing guides can ruin your essay from the start.

17 Zoology Essay Topics

As was mentioned before, there are hundreds of uses of zoology. It is a multidisciplinary science with many fascinating areas. There is no doubt that you will find a zoology essay topic that will fit your interest. Especially not after browsing through the list that we compiled below!

• Adaptive evolution and niche occupation in island birds.
• The social structure and cooperative behavior in bee colonies.
• Behavior patterns and lifecycles of sea turtles.
• The issues and problems of animal conservation.
• The study and development of the theory of natural selection.
• Morphology and ethology of the mantis shrimp.
• An analysis of Darwin’s study of wildlife on the Galapagos Islands.
• The effects of global warming on the polar bear population in the Arctic.
• Evolutionary adaptation of moth species in North America.
• Intersections between zoology and botany and what the two disciplines can gain from one another.
• Wolves in Yellowstone Park and their impact on the ecosystem.
• The relationship between brain size and intelligence of species.
• The history and development of canine and feline domestication.
• How can microbiology further the development of zoology as a science?
• A comparison of the speech pattern development in parrots and corvids.
• Zoological implications of the Persian Gulf oil spill.
• How are species saved from the risk of extinction?

If the ideas above weren’t enough for you, try out the online topic generator . It will come up with a relevant idea on the spot!

Thank you for reading the article. We wish you all the best in writing your academic paper. Below, you can find zoology essay examples to inspire you in your work.

220 Best Essay Examples on Zoology

Animal testing: should animal testing be allowed — argumentative essay.

• Words: 1768

How Honey Is Made Overview

Burmese pythons in florida and louisiana, survival mechanisms of wild animals.

• Words: 2925

How a Caterpillar Becomes a Butterfly

Forms of animal communication.

• Words: 2791

Sea Otters’ Life Cycle From Birth to Death

• Words: 2076

Hairy Frog’s Adaptations and Environment

The benefits of a protection dog, finches’ beak size and seed size relationship.

• Words: 1404

Dairy Meal as an Important Concentrate in Dairy Cow Farming

Elephant communication and its types.

• Words: 4550

Dairy Cattle’s Integumentary System

• Words: 1406

Pets’ Adoption: Cats Make This Life Happier

Human-animal communication: past, present, future.

• Words: 1825

Bean Beetles and Oviposition Experiment

• Words: 1131

Horse Family and Its Evolution

Dodo bird and why it went extinct, can animals think.

• Words: 1122

Theoretical Perspective on the Giraffe’s Adaptation

Living resources of the ocean.

• Words: 1678

Squirrel Monkeys’ Structure and Behavior

The komodo dragon: species conservation plan, negotiating: pandas in san diego zoo case, discussion of the orcinus orca or the killer whale.

• Words: 1568

The White-Tailed Deer’s Habitat, Reproduction, and Behavior

• Words: 1384

Javan Rhinos: Wildlife Trading of Endangered Animals

• Words: 1368

Applications in ABA: Reinforcement of Feeding Behavior in Rats

• Words: 1957

Camel Racing and Nutrition

Communication behavior among crows.

• Words: 1708

Endangered Silverback Gorillas

• Words: 3536

Marine Conservation and Coastal Development

Cockroach infestation: essential findings and solutions, how the ocean current affect animals’ life in the sea, primate observation paper.

• Words: 1432

Bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)

• Words: 1091

Importance of Coral Reefs

• Words: 1625

Thermodynamics of Horses in Cold and Heat

• Words: 1069

Killer Whale, Its Life Cycle and Behavior

• Words: 1388

The ecology of tigers

• Words: 1912

Why Animals Matter to Us

Ecology of panther a leo (lion).

• Words: 1940

Border Collie Dog Breed Information

On animal abuse and cruelty.

• Words: 1369

Negative Impacts of Animal Testing

• Words: 1214

Ants: Behavior, Life Cycle, and Living Conditions

Parental behavior in the great apes, zoology: how the cat got its stripes, unexpected pet medical issues and how to handle them.

• Words: 1712

The Great Backyard Bird Count Event

Birds’ optimal forging practices.

• Words: 1423

Optimal Foraging Theory in Zoology

Neurobiological mechanisms of depressive behavior in animals, researching of whale lion: assignment, the bufo marinus eating habits, red panda: the animal observation, cane toad: analysis of species profile, asian longhorned tick and its importance for horses owners, age determination of american black ducks in winter and spring, coggins test: definition, description, and use, health issues in purebred animals: factors, awareness, and care.

• Words: 3049

Habitat and Ocean Life Considerations of Bottlenose Dolphins

• Words: 1104

Why Spirit Bears Need to Be Protected

Nimba myotis: a specimen of bat, the spirit bear of british columbia, the complex arms race between predator and prey article summary, “the complex arms race between predator and prey” article critique, moths: change in the coloration, honey bees disappearances: the colony collapse disorder, how homo sapiens influenced felis catus, the species concepts in zoology, sub-acute ruminal acidosis (sara) in dairy cattle.

• Words: 2022

The Great Pyrenees Dog Breed as a Pet

The american crow species analysis, study of diversity in spider communities.

• Words: 1038

Echinodermata (Starfish): Origin, Classification, Characteristics

Ring-tailed cats: characteristics and habitat, reproductive performance of transgenic atlantic salmon, aggressive interactions in the german cockroach, blatella germanica, puppy mills. problems. the alternatives for puppy mills.

• Words: 1164

Migration of the Caribou Birds

“the frog book” by steve jenkins and robin rage, how animals react to their reflection in mirror, foraging and storing behavior of the fox squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel.

• Words: 1737

The Feeding Behavior of the Walrus

Morphometric study of ovarian follicle growth and ovarian surface epithelium during pregnancy in the rat.

• Words: 1270

Dolphins Sleeping Pattern

Tasmanian devil’s facial tumor disease, pilot whales’ adaptations to their habitat.

• Words: 1921

Asian & European Invasive Crab Species of Cape Cod

• Words: 2241

Invertebrate Exhibit: Cockroaches

Honey bees: reasons of disappearance.

• Words: 1289

Uromastyx Aegyptius Salt Gland During Drought

• Words: 1094

Camels in UAE and Australia

• Words: 1169

Lancelets’ Adaptation and Environment

Finches and worms’ evolutionary pattern, atlantic tomcod’s adaptation experiment.

• Words: 1385

The Analysis of Siamangs’ Behavior in a Zoo Setting

Artemia sp. preference of light intensity.

• Words: 1067

Artemia sp.: Morphology and Lifecycle

Crocodile: reptile characteristic, concepts of the life of a lion.

• Words: 1613

Post-Crossing Mutations in Drosophila Flies of Generations F1 and F2

• Words: 1980

Evolution of the Cichlid Fish Species in Lake Victoria

• Words: 2690

Natural Selection in the White and the Black Butterflies

Oceanography: research on the albatross.

• Words: 1719

Mapping the Terrestrial Reptile Distributions in Oman and the UAE

Influence of muscle development on the carcass quality in pork.

• Words: 2638

Identifying Indicators to Recognize and Assess Pain in Fish

Salmonella in reptiles: diagnosis and treatment, microbial interactions in the gut of canadian geese, fatty liver and gastrointestinal tract disease in dogs.

• Words: 1447

Natural History: The Ploughshare Tortoise

• Words: 1433

Red Sea Whales Characteristics Review

Apiculture: memory in honeybees, the mad cow disease in britain, dogs, their talents and abilities.

• Words: 1176

Animal Behavior in San Diego Zoo

Non human mammals (language).

• Words: 4359

Life of Foxes in Australia

145 Zoology Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on zoology, 👍 good zoology research topics & essay examples, 🌶️ hot zoology ideas to write about, ✍️ zoology essay topics for college, 💡 simple zoology essay ideas, 📌 easy zoology essay topics, ❓ zoology essay questions.

• Animals Division and Classification
• Actinopterygii: The Evolution of Ray-Finned Fishes
• Teacup Dogs: Appearance, History, Health Complications, Art
• Animal Behavior of a Snake
• Symbiotic Relationship Between Cleaner Gobies and Fish
• Watching Animals at the Zoo
• Nature Versus Nurture in Dog Aggression
• The Turtle-Headed Sea Snake’s Habitation Areas The paper aims to know the exact areas that turtle-headed sea snakes inhabit and quantify the number of such species within that vicinity.
• Anatomy, Physiology, and Living Habitats of Red Panda Red Panda the mammalian species native to southwestern China and the eastern Himalayas. They are the only members of the Ailuridae family
• Reptiles and How They Fit in Their Phylum Reptiles are a large class of animals consisting of thousands of species and have common features, including cold blood, dry skin, and eggs for reproduction.
• Giraffe Neck as Result of Sexual Selection The paper reviews giraffe’s evolutions theories and compares their relevance. It concludes that sexual selection theory offers a better explanation for long necks in giraffes.
• Octopuses: The Reproductive Process Octopuses are oviparous animals, which means that they lay the eggs outside their body. The female octopus’ mission is to produce viable eggs and ensure that its children come out.
• Kakapo Should Be Urgently Saved from Extinction This paper aims to investigate the rationale of specific measures to support the statement: kakapo should be urgently saved from extinction.
• Turdus Migratorius, American Robin The American Robin is also known as Turdus migratorius is a medium-sized migratory songbird that belongs to the “thrush” genus.
• Horse Population, Evolution, and Physiology The evolution of horses occurred over a period of 55 million years. By analyzing bones and DNA of the ancient horses, we are able to get an idea about their origins.
• Primates and Their Defining Characteristics Primates are the group of mammals. This group consists of such animals as monkeys, lemurs, and apes. Humans are primates too.
• Becoming a Cat Owner Getting a pet cat might sound very easy – and, it fact, it is – but it is the process of becoming its owner that might need some practice. Some guidelines might be of great use.
• How to Groom Your Pet? Dogs need to have good hygienic care. The dog owner can learn how to groom his or her dog. There are professional groomers whose sole responsibility in life is to groom dogs at a fee.
• Nagel’s “What Is It Like to Be a Bat?”: The Concept of Conscious Experience “What Is It Like To Be A Bat?” uses the bat as an illustration of the ability to understand the mind and body operation and how the bat displays its character during an action.
• Feline Mental Health and Separation Anxiety The paper discusses feline mental health based on separation anxiety, behavioral categories, significant symptoms, risk factors, and implications.
• Psychological Well-Being of Captive Animals and Types of Enrichment The psychological well-being of captive animals is essential from a moral point of view and because of the animal’s physical condition.
• The Impact of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Agents on Marine Mammals The development of ecosystems is affected by various physical, biological, and chemical agents, and these effects can be both positive and negative.
• Sexual Reproduction: Advantages and Disadvantages Although sexual reproduction can bring some shortcomings of the parents into the next generation, it tends to favor positive traits.
• Skull Evolution in the Rhinocerotidae: Phylogeny of Early Rhinocerotoids Modern rhinos with a pointed upper lip and a two-horned African rhino with a wide rectangular mouth, are pitiful remnants of a rich in species group of mammals.
• Chihuahua and a Pitbull as a House Pet: Comparison The Chihuahua and the Pitbulls can be safely kept as house pets, provided the required amount of exercise and correct training and handling are given regularly and from the puppy stage.
• Consciousness and Emotions in Animals The paper indicates that animals can sense and respond to external factors and experience emotions generated in their neural system.
• Hawksbill Turtle Scientific Description Hawksbill is a sea turtle named after their narrow, pointed beak resembling that of a hawk, and they use it to find food from cracks and crevices.
• Florida Wildlife: Burmese Python Burmese Python feed on other animal species such as birds, crocodiles, and mammals. This type of snake is common in South Florida in the Everglades National Park.
• Grey Squirrels: Fieldwork Observations The presented observations of grey squirrels’ behavior might be implemented for estimating animal intelligence and cognition.
• Marsupials: Evolutionary History, Key Features, and Ecological Role This paper discusses marsupials to present a phylogeny of their in-group and out-group taxa, key features that unite the clade, ecological roles played by some of these features.
• A Peacock Spider’s Mating Rituals and Reproduction This report will cover the mating rituals and all other aspects of the reproductive cycle of a peacock spider.
• Bonobos’ Sexual Receptivity and Social Behaviour This researcher intends to confirm the behavior patterns of the bonobos. The behaviors in relationship to sociosexual patterns are being assessed.
• The North Carolina Zoo Animal Management The North Carolina Zoo is concerned about the animal’s natural environment and it has a project of expanding rhinoceros exhibit at a cost of $6 million.
• Horses as Pampered Prisoners in Henderson’s Book While horses do not experience direct abuse, their seemingly favorable living conditions result in psychological and physiological suffering for today’s sport horses.
• Should Apartments Ban Dogs Based on Breed? This paper argues that apartments should ban dogs based on breed as a step forward to curbing bite-related cases by specific vicious breeds.
• Feline Mental Health and Separation-Related Problems Physical health in cats has been a very commonly reviewed topic. But it also sparks discussions regarding feline mental health.
• Cause and Clinical Characteristics of Rib Fractures in Cats Nontraumatic rib fractures are more common in cats with diseases that induce prolonged respiratory effort or coughing, metabolic conditions, or certain neoplasms.
• Blue Macaws: How to Prevent Their Extinction? The blue macaws preferred plain vegetation: single tall trees, thorny shrubs, groves of palm trees, forest belts, and river banks.
• “Diet Choice and the Functional Response of Beavers” by Fryxell and Doucet “Diet Choice and the Functional Response of Beavers” by Fryxell and Doucet explores how the beaver diet would change under the influence of the local environment.
• Aspects of Waterfowl Monitoring The paper states that for monitoring waterfowl within particular wetland areas identified on the attached map, twenty-four sites will be chosen.
• Ornithology: Annotated Bibliography The authors conduct a profound literature review that seeks to explain the antecedents of this practice and present their investigation results.
• “Resistance of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Prions to Inactivation”: Article Summary This article aims to define the patterns of inactivation of the infectious proteins known as “prions” of bovine spongiform encephalopathy from cattle, mice, hamsters, and humans.
• Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve Management Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve seeks to protect the seabird species from various risks and preserve the existence of special breeds.
• Geladas: Habitat and Causes of Extinction Geladas are large-sized monkeys with massive jaw parts and long brown fur. They live in the high mountains and descend to search for some grass and plants.
• The Process of Excretion in Rodents This paper focuses on the process of excretion in rodents, aiming to synthesize and evaluate the current body of academic knowledge.
• Costs and Benefits of Being Honest Among Non-Human Primates Species typically live in groups where they should involve in cooperation with other living creatures for feeding, breeding, and others.
• “Modus Ponens”: Horses Should Have Pink Hair This paper argues that horses should have pink hair. It argues for this conclusion via the deductive form called “modus ponens.”
• Natural Migration to Bring Wolves Back to Colorado Not all communities, as well as animals, are ready for artificial reintroduction, and Colorado needs to open its doors for wolves naturally, with all related pros and cons.
• Modern-Day Chimpanzee and Ancestor Comparison In this paper, the organism of focus will be the Modern-day Chimpanzee. It is also referred to as chimp, robust chimpanzee, or common chimpanzee.
• Should Wolves Come Back to Colorado? The article’s aim is expected to prove that grey wolves coming back may have a number of benefits for the citizens, the state, and the country in general.
• Scientific Taxonomy and Earths Biodiversity Ruscha’s rat and giant panda were selected for the analysis of mammals. The similar features of all the mammals are shared among all the species
• Nutrition for Gorillas at the National Zoo The National Zoo is situated along Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C. This essay discusses nutrition for gorillas at the National Zoo.
• Defining and Measuring Biodiversity The biodiversity factor should be taken into consideration to breed animals successfully and prevent them from becoming extinct.
• Analysis of Sea Lampreys Problem Sea lampreys reduce the fish population, which affects the livelihoods of people. They negatively influence economic activities such as tourism and fishing in lakes.
• Anatomy, Physiology, and Living Habitats of Tanuki Tanuki, also called the Japanese Racoon Dog, is a subspecies of the Asian Racoon Dog. It belongs in the Canid family, with their close relatives being wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs
• Why the King Salmon Population Keeps Getting Smaller Human impact on landscapes and ecosystems, combined with fishing and the increase in the number of other fish, is negatively influencing the populations of chinook salmon.
• Sharks Characteristics Analysis: Danger of Extinction If the sharks disappear from our oceans, a catastrophic imbalance shall occur and affect the human food supply chain as well as the ocean ecosystem.
• Implicit Memory: Animal Observation The focal point of this paper is to enumerate the observation of an animal outside the class in relation to a concept of general psychology.
• Resource Value Effects Territorial Defense by Broad-Tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds The species apply expensive territorial behavior to defend its territory. The defending mechanism may change of the quality of resource changes.
• Primate Behavior: Observing and Comparing Observing and comparing primate behavior to humans sheds new light on the evolutionary theory by highlighting important connections between our behavior and primates.
• How Dogs Respond to Hugging? Comparing the article and newspaper story, we can find some similarities. First, both these are devoted to the same issue and describe how dogs respond to hugging.
• The Threat to Gharial Crocodiles in Protected Areas Fishing, agriculture, sand mining, and water extraction for irrigation are a few activities that pose threats to the crocodiles in the protected areas.
• Teat Dipping and Milk Iodine Concentrations in Dairy Cows The review gives approaches to optimal udder preparation practices before and after milking to obtain high-quality milk.
• Birds Starvation and Death in Alaska The article Thousands of Birds Found Dead along Alaskan Shoreline by Seth Kovar and Steve Almasy addresses the death of the birds in Alaska because of starvation.
• Bonobos and Common Chimps Comparison Common chimps and bonobos differ in a number of ways. This paper looks at the similarities and differences that exist between bonobos and common chimps.
• Metabolic Power Budgeting and Adaptive Strategies in Zoology: Examples From Scallops and Fish
• The Importance of Zoology to Medical Science
• A Problem of Zoological Taxonomy: Why Is the Cassowary Not a Bird?
• Quantitative Zoology: Numerical Concepts and Methods in the Study of Recent and Fossil Animals
• The Type-Concept in Zoology During the First Half of the 19th Century
• Research Strategies to Improve Honeybee Health in Europe
• New Concepts and Methods for Phylogenetic Taxonomy and Nomenclature in Zoology
• A New Bleaching and Decalcifying Method for General Use in Zoology
• Zoology Students’ Experiences of Collaborative Enquiry in Problem-Based Learning
• The Relationship Between College Zoology Students’ Beliefs About Evolutionary Theory and Religion
• How Technology Can Be Used to Enhance Zoological Parks
• The Changing Roles of Zoological Parks in Conserving Biological Diversity
• Resolving a Zoological Mystery: The Kouprey Is a Real Species
• Situating and Teaching 21st Century Zoology: Revealing Pattern in the Form and Function of Animals
• Concepts and Issues With Interspecies Scaling in Zoological Pharmacology
• Deer Antlers: A Zoological Curiosity or the Key to Understanding Organ Regeneration in Mammals?
• Marine Invertebrate Diversity in Aristotle’s Zoology
• Anatomical Information Content in the Ediacaran Fossils and Their Possible Zoological Affinities
• Species and “Strange Species” in Zoology: Do We Need a Unified Concept of Species?
• Zoological Considerations on the Origins of Farming and Domestication
• The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behavior
• Local Variations in the Response of Birds to Human Presence in Urban Areas
• Concept-Driven Teaching and Assessment in Invertebrate Zoology
• DNA Fingerprinting in Zoology: Past, Present, Future
• Why Do Species Exist in Zoology: Insights From Sexuals and Asexuals
• The Movement to Curtail Animal Dissections in Zoology Curriculum
• Studying the History of Pre-modern Zoology With Linked Data and Vocabularies
• Behavior as a Tool in the Assessment of Animal Welfare
• Zoological Diagnostics of Soils: Imperatives, Purposes, and Place Within Soil Zoology and Pedology
• Climate Change and Invasive Species: Double Jeopardy
• Amphibians in Zoos: A Global Approach on Distribution Patterns of Threatened Amphibians in Zoological Collections
• The Meaning of Object Permanence at Different Zoological Levels
• Some Recent Advances in Zoology and Their Relation to Present-Day Problems
• Social Competition and Its Consequences in Female Mammals
• Animal Learning and Memory: An Integration of Cognition and Zoology
• Concept of Scientific Wildlife Conservation and Its Dissemination
• Zoology: The Hidden History of the American Western Horse
• Innovation in Teaching and Learning Invertebrate Zoology in Remote and Online Classrooms
• Current Perspectives on Curriculum Needs in Zoological Medicine
• Innate Immunity Receptors in the Perspective of Zoological Research
• Big City Life: Carnivores in Urban Environments
• Zoology Meets Botany: Establishing Intracellular Organelles by Endosymbiosis
• Progress in the Zoology and Conservation of Giant Pandas
• Comparison of the Genomes of Human and Mouse Lays the Foundation of Genome Zoology
• Bounds of Diversity: Queer Zoology in Europe From Aristotle to John Hunter
• The Thermal Ecology and Zoology of Reptiles & Amphibians
• An Overview of Crustacean Discoveries and New Perspectives on Deep-Sea Zoology and Biogeography
• Marine Zooceuticals: Synergy of Zoology & Pharmaceuticals
• From Seabed to World Wide Web: Marine Zoological Sampling, Data Processing, and Production of Digital Marine Faunas
• Zoology: Its History, Branches, Importance, and Applications
• How Has Zoology Changed Over Time?
• Is Zoology an Exact Science?
• What Is the Importance of Ritualization in Zoology?
• Is Animal Science Considered Zoology?
• What Is the Difference Between Zoology and Botany?
• What Are the Subdisciplines of Zoology?
• How Does Evolution Relate to Zoology?
• What Is the Meaning of the Term Zoology in Biological Studies?
• How Are Zoology and Marine Biology Related?
• Why Is Cytology Important in the Study of Zoology?
• What Is Fieldwork in Zoology For?
• How Many Different Branches of Zoology Are There?
• What Is Urban Zoology?
• How Is Zoology Related to Other Specializations?
• What Is Symmetry and Its Types in Zoology?
• Why Is Aristotle the Father of Zoology?
• Why Was Charles Darwin Important to Zoology?
• How Many Types of Zoology Are There?
• What Is Differentiation in Zoology?
• Does Zoology Study Animals With Radial Symmetry?
• What Is Intraspecific Competition in Zoology?
• Is the Existence of Undiscovered Species Possible in Zoology?
• What Is an Example of Heterosis in Zoology?
• What Is the Purpose of Zoology?
• What Is the Function of the Pallial Sinus in Zoology?
• Do Dinosaurs Fit in the Category of Zoology?
• What Is the Difference Between Zoology and Veterinary Medicine?
• What Are the Biological Principles of Zoology?
• How Are Zoology and Ecology Related?
• What Is the Significance of Zoology for Medicine?

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These essay examples and topics on Zoology were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 27, 2023 .

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Zoology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Zoology is the scientific study of animals. This discipline can include animal anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, behaviour and conservation.

An exploration of how the insect-wing hinge functions

The hinge enables insects to control their wing movements, but how it works is hard to study. Multidisciplinary research, using imaging and machine-learning methods, now sheds light on the mechanism that underlies its operation.

• Tanvi Deora

Birds convey complex signals in simple songs

The quality of a bird’s song during courtship can influence whether a male is selected as a mate. An innovative approach using machine learning offers a way to analyse the characteristics of birdsong.

• Kate T. Snyder
• Nicole Creanza

Related Subjects

• Animal behaviour
• Animal physiology
• Biomechanics
• Herpetology
• Ichthyology

Latest Research and Reviews

Exogenous oxytocin increases gaze to humans in male cats

• Madoka Hattori
• Kodzue Kinoshita
• Shinya Yamamoto

Paper towel shredding as a novel, affordable, noninvasive method for detecting arousals in hibernating rodents

Researchers have developed a cost-effective, noninvasive method for determining torpor-bout duration in heterothermic mammals. They used the paper towel shredding behavior of ground squirrels to detect 59 arousals with 100% accuracy over 52 days. This method avoids the drawbacks of other cheap monitoring systems such as the sawdust technique.

• Amalie J. Hutchinson
• Brynne M. Duffy
• James F. Staples

The first chromosome-level genome of the stag beetle Dorcus hopei Saunders, 1854 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

• Chuyang Mao

Subtle morphological changes in the visual and antennal sensory system of bees and wasps across an urbanisation gradient

• Andrea Ferrari
• Greta Tacconi
• Carlo Polidori

Functional diversity of macrozoobenthos under adverse oxygen conditions in the southern Baltic Sea

• Halina Kendzierska
• Urszula Janas

Quantifying maternal investment in mammals using allometry

This study introduces a standardized method to quantify maternal investment: the maternal investment metric for mammalian species, derived from the allometric scaling of litter mass at weaning age by adult mass and investment duration .

• Tim E.R.G. Huijsmans
• Alexandre Courtiol
• Thomas B. Hildebrandt

News and Comment

AI and robotics demystify the workings of a fly's wing

New research unveils the workings of one of the most complex bio-mechanical structures in the natural world

I dive for fish in the longest freshwater lake in the world

Biologist Carolin Sommer-Trembo describes her fascination for fish and why she enjoys doing science in Switzerland.

• Nikki Forrester

A spa session for humpback whales

The gigantic animals have worked out an unusual way to exfoliate — a perfect way to deal with whale lice.

The placozoan Trichoplax

After having been largely neglected for more than a century, the tiny marine animal Trichoplax adhaerens is enjoying a revival and is now poised to become a mainstream model organism for the study of epithelial evolution, diversification and specialization.

• Marvin Leria
• Magali Requin
• Andrea Pasini

Frans de Waal (1948–2024), primatologist who questioned the uniqueness of human minds

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Essay on Zoology

Students are often asked to write an essay on Zoology in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Zoology

Introduction to zoology.

Zoology is a branch of biology that studies animals. It covers everything from their structure and classification to their distribution and behavior. Zoologists often specialize in specific animal groups such as mammals, birds, or insects.

Importance of Zoology

Zoology is important as it helps us understand how animals interact with their environment. This knowledge can assist in conservation efforts, help prevent diseases, and contribute to advancements in medicine and technology.

Fields of Zoology

Zoology has many sub-fields. For example, Ornithology studies birds, while Herpetology focuses on reptiles and amphibians. Ethology, on the other hand, explores animal behavior.

Zoology Careers

A career in zoology can be exciting. Zoologists can work as researchers, wildlife biologists, animal rehabilitators, or zookeepers. They can also teach zoology in schools and universities.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Zoology

250 Words Essay on Zoology

Zoology, a branch of biology, is the scientific study of animals. It encompasses a broad spectrum of fields including animal physiology, behavior, classification, and distribution. Zoologists strive to understand the intricacies of the animal kingdom, contributing to our knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Animal Physiology

Animal physiology pertains to the study of the physical and chemical functions of animals. It investigates how animals obtain and use energy, how they reproduce, and how they interact with their environment. This knowledge aids in comprehending how animals adapt to environmental changes and how these adaptations influence evolutionary trajectories.

Animal Behavior

Animal behavior, or ethology, examines the actions of animals in their natural habitats. It includes the study of animal communication, learning, and social behavior. Understanding animal behavior can provide insights into animal survival strategies and their role within ecosystems.

Animal Classification and Distribution

Zoologists also classify animals into different groups based on shared characteristics, a process known as taxonomy. This classification helps in understanding the evolutionary relationships among different animal groups. Additionally, studying animal distribution patterns helps zoologists determine the factors influencing where species live.

Zoology plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. By understanding animal behavior, physiology, and distribution, zoologists can develop strategies to protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity. Furthermore, zoology contributes to human health by studying diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

In conclusion, zoology is an essential discipline that enhances our understanding of the animal kingdom, contributing to biodiversity conservation and human health. It is a diverse field with myriad applications, making it an exciting and vital area of study.

500 Words Essay on Zoology

Zoology, deriving from the Greek words ‘Zoon’ and ‘Logos’ meaning ‘animal’ and ‘knowledge’ respectively, is the scientific study of animals. This branch of biology encompasses all aspects of animal life, including their physiology, classification, distribution, and behavior. Zoology is a multifaceted field, often intersecting with other scientific disciplines such as genetics, biochemistry, and ecology.

The Scope of Zoology

Zoology’s scope is vast, covering all animal species, from the tiniest microscopic organisms to the largest mammals. Zoologists often specialize in studying specific taxa, like entomologists who study insects or herpetologists who focus on reptiles and amphibians. This specialization allows for a more profound understanding of the intricacies of each animal group.

Zoology also looks at animals from various perspectives. For instance, comparative anatomy studies the similarities and differences in animal structures, offering insights into their evolutionary relationships. On the other hand, ethology focuses on animal behavior, illuminating how animals interact with each other and their environment.

Zoology’s Contribution to Science and Society

Zoology’s contributions extend beyond the realm of pure science. By understanding animal biology, zoologists can contribute to the conservation of endangered species, the control of diseases, and the improvement of livestock breeds.

Conservation biology, a sub-discipline of zoology, plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. By studying the habitat needs and population dynamics of endangered species, zoologists can recommend effective conservation strategies. In a world grappling with climate change and habitat loss, this knowledge is invaluable.

Zoologists also contribute to human health. By studying zoonotic diseases, which are diseases transmitted from animals to humans, they can help predict and prevent outbreaks. This was the case with the avian flu and the Ebola virus, where zoologists played a key role in understanding the disease transmission.

The Future of Zoology

The future of zoology is intrinsically linked with technological advancements. Techniques like DNA sequencing and bioinformatics are revolutionizing the field, allowing for more accurate species identification and a better understanding of evolutionary relationships.

Moreover, remote sensing technology and geographic information systems (GIS) are transforming the way zoologists study animal distributions and movements. These technologies enable the collection of large-scale data, providing insights into animal behavior and ecology that were previously unattainable.

In conclusion, zoology is a dynamic and vital field of study. It not only deepens our understanding of the animal kingdom but also plays a pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, from conservation to disease control. As technology continues to evolve, so too will zoology, promising exciting discoveries and innovations in the future.

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Zoology: Exploring the Animal Kingdom as Academic Pursuit

Defining Zoology

Biological life on planet Earth is undoubtedly immense and the subject that studies it - biology - is such a vast area of study that no graduate in the subject could hope to understand all of it. Increasingly, biology graduates are looking for ways to find their niche early and focus on one specific area. One of those vital areas of biology is called zoology. This is the study of animal life (1) . It is so vast that it's broken down into many other sub-areas. Regardless of niche, zoologists examine many areas of animal life, covering such varied areas as animal anatomy, ecology , fetal development, their evolution (and common ancestors with similar animals in the same family or order and those related), distribution and habits, diet, and place in the food chain. But zoology is not just limited to living animals; some areas examine extinct species. Others are interested in how animals interact with humans.

History of Zoology

Ancient societies.

As with botany and several other biological sciences, zoology is relatively new as far as being an academic discipline is concerned. In some ways, ancient societies saw the study of animals as a luxury and unnecessary except in some limited cases. Interests in the processes of the animal life were limited to lifecycle and animal husbandry (gestation and reproduction), and lifestyle and health (diet, environmental needs, disease transmission), all of which were viewed purely through the lens of using animals for human benefit (meat, dairy, plant pollination, guard dogs, pets). A history of early zoology is simply the history of early agriculture .

But the fledgeling science of zoology began in this period. While most were only concerned with those issues above (categorized today as “Animal Science”), Aristotle's broad array of interests ignited the study of animal life beyond the merely functional. He is credited with effectively starting all of biology and although his interest in botany is well-understood, zoology also fascinated him. He looked at the biological functions of animals, commenting on such issues as metabolism, temperature and environment, embryo and sexual reproduction and inherited traits. He was not limited to the functional aspect but was interested in development for itself. His study was the most comprehensive prior to Darwin including classification and dissection, nature, attributes and habitats on the island of Lesbos (3) .

Later, Galen would take up the mantle. This famous early polymath dabbled in the biological sciences. As far as zoology is concerned, his work in anatomy and zoology developed animal sciences that allowed for further expansion of surplus agriculture. Their work would inform zoology for several thousand years and almost up to Darwin's theory with a few modifications. Teleology would later become Natural Theology under Christianity, but the basic philosophy of life remained the same (4) .

Important works in the Middle East and the Far East include Susruta and Zhang Zhongjing. These may not be familiar to a western lay audience, but the importance of their work in zoology is not in doubt. These were physicians primarily but some of their work in no small part focused on animal physiology . In the fourth century BC, Zhuangzi theorized the first ever concept of biological evolution (5) - remarkably suggesting that animals adapted to environmental change and underwent natural drift.

Medieval Europe and the Middle East

In Western Europe, the post-Roman period through to the late Middle Ages is not a source of great scientific knowledge. As stated above, the majority of what we understood in the Classical World informed scholars until the Enlightenment. But that's not to say there was no important work. In the Islamic Middle East, thanks to trade and interaction with the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) that knowledge was preserved and translated into Arabic as well as Greek.

It was still considered important, but in the Middle East scholars drove learning forward in a period known as The Islamic Golden Age. This lasted until the 15 th -16 th centuries when the fall of Byzantium led to many in the east fleeing to Western Europe. This event is largely credited with kickstarting the Renaissance which, in turn, would eventually lead to The Enlightenment. In the 8 th century, al-Jahiz (6) formulated yet another idea that hinted at an understanding of evolutionary theory. While Avicenna and Averroes - also physicians - pushed our understanding of physiology further forward once more. These people were always trying to understand human physiology but this often had benefits for zoology too. Their philosophical work towards biology would inform later zoology (7) .

Not that medieval Europe was completely devoid of advances in zoology. Towards the end of the medieval period (known as the High Middle Ages), figures such as Hildegard of Bingen - who developed a new taxonomy (8) and Albertus Magnus - who wrote about logic and observation, finally arguing that science and religion were not incompatible, are still celebrated today (9) . Magnus mentored another great European thinker - Thomas Aquinas - one of the world's earliest scientists and the greatest supporter of Classical Theology.

Renaissance and Enlightenment

The Renaissance in Western Europe changed many things. It was the beginning of nation states and the breaking up of the idea of “Christendom”. It was also the beginning of scientific thought. In the early days, zoology (although it still did not have a name) focused as many other disciplines did such as early archaeology , on the collection of exotic items. It was perhaps inevitable that the collection of exotic animals (and plants) from faraway shores such as the Americas would lead to their scientific study and the commenting on their relationships to more familiar species from the Old World. Things replaced reports, living specimens replaced description and anecdote. It was an age of growing empiricism in areas such as taxonomy and anatomy, in animals as well as in humans. This led to a fusing of art and proto-sciences from such people as Leonardo Da Vinci (10) and Albrecht Dürer (11) whose art and technical visual media focused on mechanics and how bodies worked.

But the invention of the microscope was the most important development for biology until Darwin's work. Once Antony van Leeuwenhoek perfected the early microscope (12) , improving resolution and quality, it allowed for the discovery of the elements that could not be seen with the naked eye. Most early microscopists were interested in insects ( entomology ) but it would eventually lead to the ability to look deeper still, such as the discovery of the cell, bacteria, spermatozoa, and eventually viruses. The early years of the Enlightenment also had another conundrum to deal with - the true nature of fossilized extinct creatures. Dinosaurs were once passed off as the biblical race of giants and creatures from before Noah's Flood (13) but the wealth of new evidence across the world simply had to be addressed. Today, paleontology is the result of an unlikely crossover between zoology and geology , straddling both, and providing evidence in many fields.

Enter Darwin

The impact of Charles Darwin's work on every biological science cannot be overstated; zoology is no exception (14) . Until 1859 when his work On the Origin of Species was published, zoology focused on animal physiology (physical apparatus of their bodies), taxonomy (classification), and natural history (diversity and spread - related to taxonomy). But Darwin finally forced zoologists to examine more complex issues - the origin of life and the origins of species, natural selection, and the possibility of common ancestry between all life. Biogeography, biodiversity and the human impact on species all came into question as elements of natural philosophy rather than natural theology. Zoology would eventually crossover with many areas of environmental science. Already discussed is geology, but also ecology , the prospect of environmental forcings and many other areas. Alfred Russell Wallace and those who followed in Darwin's footsteps as early zoologists carried on this work. But Darwin's impact goes way beyond changing the sciences - his work changed how we think about science (15) . Darwin's zeitgeist allowed for new sciences to emerge and for existing sciences to change and evolve.

What of Zoology Today?

The remainder of the 19 th century was effectively an ideological war between the old guard (religionists and scientists who felt the evidence for Darwinian evolution was not strong enough at the time) and the Darwinists who were eager to build on the work (16, p1) . But the war would soon be over at least as far as the academic community was concerned. Researchers began developing new methods and sciences in broad areas ranging from genetics to geology, from ecology to botany, zoology and human anatomy and many more. Microbiology had implications for human health, and for botany and zoology. The nature of zoology from the 20 th century and beyond is about relationships. It became a profession in the early part of the last century at a time when natural history and essentialism (function and form) gave way to experimentation. The following decades would see the arrival of intensive farming, fueled partly by developments in both zoology and botany. But more academic pursuits included microbiology and eventually embryology, particularly for animal and human health (16, p2) . When Gregor Mendel discovered the gene (17) , zoology and biology took on its modern form.

No science exists in isolation and as the 21 st century develops, the importance of each science to each other cannot be overstated. Zoology's relationship with ecology, for example, began in the early 20 th century (16, p6) but as the 20 th wore on, growing concern about the environmental impact took over. Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring looked at the impact of many human actions on both animals and plants, essentially driving modern environmentalism. Also, further developments in genetics and genetic treatments have received no small contribution to (and also benefited) zoological researchers. But zoology has also forged relationships with the traditional sciences of chemistry and physics (16, p7) , and more recently with data science which has proven useful to biogeography and the importance of the environment to conservation and evolution.

Sub-Disciplines of Zoology

There are approximately 2 million animal species on planet Earth with any number currently undiscovered. No zoologist can hope to understand them all; that is why it's necessary to break down zoology into the broad subdisciplines listed here.

Animal Physiology

This is the study of the parts of an animal's body from the cell right up to major organs (18) . Anything a physiologist studies in humans, an animal physiologist studies in the wide variety of animal species. As well as body parts, this will mean disease pathology and their impact on animal bodies, diet, nutrition and metabolism, and even reproduction and reproductive organs, histology and endocrine functions. Not all animals reproduce sexually, and the mechanisms of asexual reproduction are also of interest. This means that physiologists can work in conservation and ecology, looking at issues such as genetic diversity, veterinary sciences, disease prevention and treatment.

Animal Science

While most other subareas of zoology focus on animals in the wild or semi-natural habitats (zoos, animal parks, captivity and conservation) Animal Science is concerned with the biology of livestock animals (19) . That means the health of farm animals, aspects of the food chain, production, management and selection of animals that live on farms and ranches, but also animals in the home - pets. Also known as animal biosciences or animal husbandry, that expanded to include any direct interaction between human and animals which of course means pets but also working animals (assistance dogs, military and police dogs) and those used in medical treatment of humans (pet therapy). Animal scientists can also be involved in conservation, advising on issues such as monoculture, promoting the introduction of animals to complement agriculture by reducing pests, to keep soil aired and healthy for produce.

Animal Taxonomy

How do we classify animals? When animals have attributes in several classes, how do we go about determining in which category they belong (the platypus, for example, is a mammal but lays eggs in its reproduction process - unique in mammals)? Humans love putting things in neat little boxes. In some ways, it's unhelpful, but classification simplifies things for researchers and helps in the study of the discovery of new species. As the tree branches out further, classification aids many things. That's why taxonomy is a subdiscipline of its own (20) . It also helps to examine generalizations in groups in the study of common ancestors between phyla, classes, and orders.

Anthrozoology

Bringing ethnobiology into the world of zoology, anthrozoology studies the interactions that animals have with humans. It includes aspects of anthropology and archaeology, animal health and wellbeing (physical health, mental health and veterinary science) along with ethnology, history , philosophy and sociology (21) . Mostly, they are concerned with qualitative data on relationships and interactions, and the short and long-term effects of those relationships over time. For example, how dogs domesticated themselves in antiquity and the symbiotic relationship that humans now have with canines. They will also look at evidence from archaeology and anthropology of past relationships, including representations of animals and the relationships.

Arachnology

Arachnology is the study of animals in the arachnids class (22) . The most obvious family in this class are spiders and daddy longlegs, but the class also includes fleas, ticks, mites, harvestmen, and scorpions. This is an enormous class with thousands of species. As with any other animal type divided solely by class, arachnologists study the lifecycle, metabolism, environment and other issues concerning arachnids. Researchers will usually specialize in one area (spiders) or can be generalists too. The history of the arachnid is a long and successful one, emerging in the fossil record from around 420 million years ago.

This is the subarea of arachnology concerned with parasitic arachnids such as mites, ticks and fleas (22) .

Archaeozoology (or Zooarchaeology)

Blending archaeology with zoology, this is the study of human interactions with animals in the past through the study of material remains (23) . This means how humans hunted animals, what they did with the bones, horn, ivory (used as tools), fur and leather (for clothing) and even what people ate. Did they have special meaning? At what point did animal husbandry begin, how, and why? These are the sorts of questions that an archaeozoologist will attempt to answer. It differs from anthrozoology in that it is less concerned with current human interactions with animals and the social aspect. This can also include “accidental” or “incidental” interactions such as species that move into an area when the ecological balance changes. Ancient woodland clearance for agriculture will see changes in bird and insect species, for example.

Behavioral Ecology

Blending the environmental science of ecology with zoology and animal behavior, Behavioral Ecology is where researchers examine ecological and environmental forcings on animal behavior - essentially, studying the value of behavior on survival (24) . It's a loose spin-off from ethology (see below). Its key principles include examining evolutionary advantages of key traits to a species, plus the ability to adapt - both core to evolutionary theory. Yet there are also adaptive and nonadaptive traits in natural selection. An animal's size may be advantageous (the ability to dominate its peers and have more opportunities for peers) or disadvantageous (where food resources are scarce, larger animals require more food). The environment and the individual's attributes then determine which go on to breed and spread their genetic code.

Biological Anthropology

Biological anthropology examines both modern humans, our cousins across the breadth of all primate species, and all common ancestors that link them. It is arguably the only area of zoology that examines human biology, anatomy, physiology as an aspect of relationships between animals. It sometimes goes by the name of physical anthropology (25) . It seeks to answer questions centering on when anatomically modern humans diverged from the primates to which we are most related (and traces that path backwards) but also of genetic diversity in modern humans. For example, the study of why such physical attributes as skin color arose (now understood to have developed as a response to levels of UV light and Vitamin D) and physical attributes such as the Epicanthic Fold (26) (present in people from the Far East and Native Americans but not other ethnicities). However, it also seeks to understand physical attributes that may have contributed to language development.

This is an area of applied technology, but it has its roots in zoology. This is the study of how animals move, their motor functions and mechanics, and uses the design concept to apply to technologies. Bionics professionals design and build artificial system based on examples from the natural world (27) . This can include such areas as robotics, prosthetics and even space exploration. It differs from bioengineering in that it doesn't apply to biological entities (such as livestock farming) but creates artificial systems based on the observed mechanics. The next major breakthrough could be in robotics, especially in light of recent AI developments for the web. Pattern recognition as a natural biological instinct could drive bionics and artificial intelligence in future.

Cetaceans are the order of marine mammals which includes all whales, dolphins and porpoises. There are approximately 80 species within these categories and stand apart from all other mammals in that, despite having lungs, are marine creatures. Cetologists study the unique evolutionary development, diet, relationships and everything else related to this group. They have confused since ancient Greece when Aristotle commented on their need to breathe air while living in water but must come up for air, unlike fish and many other marine species. It is believed that cetaceans emerged from the seas like all other mammals but later returned (28) .

Comparative Anatomy

A useful tool for the study of evolution of anatomy, this is an area of study within itself whose primary goal is to examine and look for evidence for common descent, ancestry, and divergence, including atavistic structures within a body (for example, signs of hind legs in whales and other cetaceans) (29) . Within zoology, comparative anatomy can be used to examine links in the tree of life from the smallest and simplest forms of animal life right up to anatomically modern humans. Using other tools and methods such as genetics, comparative anatomists can examine to see whether the same anatomical structure in two different species is indicative of a recent common ancestor or whether they arose independently.

In any animal species, an embryo develops following conception of species that reproduce sexually (30) . Embryo means “unborn” in Greek, so this means the study of anything from fertilization to birth in the animal kingdom. There are many applications and ways of approaching embryology. It can be a medical science (looking for abnormalities and defects), the study of the process of conception (the study of pre-birth development) or to look for common ancestry. Fetuses of most mammal species are difficult to tell apart until the latter stages of the first trimester.

Entomology is the study of all species classed as insects but not including arachnids which are not insects (spiders, fleas, mites and ticks). Insects represent the most populous class of any species and known to have evolved some 400 millions years ago, out-surviving the dinosaurs. Because the class is so large, entomology is further broken down into:

• Coleopterology : Refers to the study of any insect classed as a beetle
• Dipterology : Anything classed as a fly such as gnats, houseflies, and mosquitoes
• Hemipterology : The study of so-called “true bugs” such as aphids, leafhoppers, bedbugs, and cicadas
• Isopterology : The study of all termite species
• Lepidopterology : Concerning moths and butterflies
• Melittology : The study of the many species of bee
• Myrmecology : Concerning ants
• Orthopterology : locusts, crickets and grasshoppers
• Trichopterology : Caddisflies
• Vespology : The study of wasps

Ethology is the scientific study of behaviors. Although widely applying to human actions, zoologists are also interested in animal behaviors. They are interested in groups rather than individual behavior or one particular aspect of a species actions (such as variations in fight-or-flight). This means their social structure, how rogues are treated, attitudes and actions towards competition, and such things as aggression across groups or entire species. Effects on adaptation, relationships, symbiosis, predator and scavenger dynamics (31) . What impact do these attributes have on survival and competition for resources?

Helminthology

Parasitology is an academic subdiscipline of biology, it is not limited to animals, but concerns plants as well. Parasites in the animal kingdom come in many types, but none more prevalent than worms. Helminthology is the study of parasitic worms or worm-like creatures (32) including their lifecycle, metabolism and diet, ecology and environments, and of course, their effects on the host body. Parasitic worms include flukes and tapeworms, some species of which cause horrific illnesses, especially in the developing world. However, there is growing evidence that their unique physiology can provide medical benefits too (39) .

Nematodes are roundworms, hookworms, threadworms and others classified as nematodes rather than in the helminth phyla. The different physiology of the nematode (40) requires they are separate disciplines. They are the most abundant form of life on Earth and the most virulent of all parasitic worms.

Herpetology

This is the study of all aspects of the life and lifestyle, genetics, and nature of reptiles and amphibians (33) . Even these two groups are now subdivided due to diversity. Generalists are still called herpetologists , but those whose studies are limited to amphibians (cold-blooded reptiles that can live in the water as well as on land) are called batrachologists while those who study only snakes are known as ophiologists.

The invention of the microscope opened up many new areas of science. It began the sciences of virology and bacteriology, but it also meant the discovery of complex lifeforms too small to be seen with the naked eye. Microscopic animals such as tardigrades (also known as water bears) exist in virtually every environment on Earth and grow to a maximum size of 0.5mm (34) . Far from being simple, they are multi-celled with complex anatomy including digestive systems as complex as some much larger creatures. Other microscopic animals include the Demodex mite, water fleas and copepods

Ichthyology

Fish are one of the most abundant forms of life in our waterways, from freshwater lakes and rivers to the deepest oceans (35) . They include many families and species. Their study is called “ ichthyology ”. This covers vertebrate fish, cartilaginous fish such as sharks, and the jawless fish species. Whether involved in conservation, genetics, environmental study, evolutionary development or their place in the food chain, fish is a vital part of zoology.

Invertebrate Zoology

Some phyla have backbones (vertebrates) while some do not (invertebrates). Invertebrate zoology is an umbrella term for anyone who studies animals that do not have a spine. This includes arthropods, mollusks, and some fish. Around 95% of all species in the animal kingdom do not have a backbone. Evidence suggests that the first rudimentary vertebrates emerged during the Cambrian Explosion (36) . They survive better in the fossil record, but invertebrates clearly had an enormous head start.

Mollusca or mollusks are the second largest group of animals by the numbers. These animals can be land-based such as snails and slugs, or aquatic life such as squid and octopi. Mollusks are invertebrates, so it is a division of invertebrate zoology, but what sets them apart from other invertebrates is that they have a soft body (unsegmented) and no legs (37) . They live in damp to wet environments. Researchers are interested in all areas in other fields, but some are dedicated to examining their unique physiology for medical purposes such as treatment of diseases caused by flatworms that live in snails.

A subdivision of malacology, this is the study of arthropod shells, their nature, development and evolution.

The study of all mammals begins when the first true mammals appeared around 200 million years ago, around halfway through the age of dinosaurs. Mammals are warm-blooded, possesses hair or fur, give birth to live young which the females suckle with milk-giving mammary glands (38) . There are one or two exceptions to these rules such as the platypus and echidna - both lay eggs. Even whales, dolphins and porpoises have a small amount of hair in the form of whiskers. Some other mammals are reported to be able to raise and lower body temperature using external environments in the way that cold-blooded creatures may. It's also important to note that marsupials are mammals.

Marine Zoology

Bringing together ichthyology, cetology, malacology and other areas of study, marine zoology is the study of all creatures that live our seas and ocean. Therefore, it comes under marine biology . As with any of the other areas discussed here, specialists can study specific creatures, communities, species numbers, monitoring, conservation and so on (39) .

Ornithology

Ornithology is the study of birds which are classified as animals with feathers that reproduce through the laying of eggs. It is commonly believed that all birds fly. This is not true. Some, like the emu, rhea, and ostrich, are too large. Others have undeveloped wings such as the kiwi which has the bone structure for wings but too small and lacks support. Others are aquatic and use their “wings” to swim such as the penguin. It is one of the most successful areas of “citizen science” as it requires the amateur observers of the public to report sightings of certain birds, especially those that go on large migrations (41) .

Paleozoology

A result of the cross-disciplinary approaches of geology , paleontology , zoology and sometimes archaeology , paleozoology is the study of fossils of extinct animals. Once about the discovery of new species and examining their bone structures, modern paleozoologists are concerned now with much broader data sets such as diet, environment, ecology and environment, and evolution. This can include any of the subdisciplines listed here including vertebrates and invertebrates, aquatic, birds and protobirds, early mammals and so on.

Primatology

Primates (42) include monkeys, chimpanzees, all apes (gorillas, orangutans, humans), lemurs and tarsiers. Today, primatology is further divided into two subcategories: strepsirrhini (lemurs and lemur-like) and haplorhini (tarsiers and all simians including apes, which means humans too). Primates are mammals with a relatively large brain. With the exception of humans, they live only within the tropics and subtropics and broadly divided into Old World and New World primates.

Protozoology

Protozoa are one of the most unusual and intriguing animal species. They are not true animals, but they are not plants either. Protozoa are simple lifeforms that display many animal-like tendencies. They are single-celled and known as “protozoa”. Their animal attributes include independent movement, predation, and the need to absorb food (rather than creating its own such as plants) (43) .

Soil Zoology

Animals that live in soil have a unique ecology and lifestyle. That is why they require a subdivision. Soil science and the life within it are complex, and so is the fauna that inhabits soils (44) . This can be anything from protozoa and other microscopic forms of life that live in soils, contributing to the nutrient cycle, through to worms and right up to small mammals such as moles. Understanding these lifeforms is vital to our continued food supply. Some are pests but others, believed to be pests, often have beneficial attributes. Worms, for example, may eat crops, but their movement maintains aerobic environments.

Vertebrate Zoology

As invertebrate zoology, but covering all animals that have a spine: amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.

Zoogeography

This is not the study of specific species or individual animals, but the distribution of species (45) . It's a useful ecological tool using applied math such as statistics to monitor population growth, density, migration and other topographical/geographical attributes of a species profile. While some monitor such data and produce reports, there is also an element of theory to zoogeography. Specifically, some zoogeographers examine trends and try to explain why certain species utilize and inhabit certain environments, why they gravitate towards certain areas or away from others, and define the reasons for seasonal migrations.

Also known as descriptive zoology, this is an applied area of zoology which defines animal habitats and behaviors (46) . It is closely related to zoogeography but is not limited to geographical data although it is interested in such information as a geographic range(s) and their impact on local ecologies - especially for species that migrate with the seasons. They will examine aspects of the animals in conjunction with this information too.

“zoo” meaning “animal” and “metry” meaning “measurement”. What is the typical size range of a particular species? What is average? How large can they grow? What about appendages and body parts? This is the examination of the sizes of species and their bodily attributes. This includes sexual dimorphism (the relative size of males and females). In most cases, males are marginally larger than females, but in some species, the male is considerably smaller. The anglerfish is a case in point (47) where the female exhibits all the signs of a typical fish while the male is tiny, looking for like a parasitical attachment.

What Issues and Challenges Face Modern Zoology?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that this important area doesn't have challenges, especially when some prominent researchers claims most of the major questions have already been solved. However, as we unravel the biological sciences, animals, and their impact on our planet,

Changing Demands for Zoos, Aquariums, and other Animal Parks

These tourist attractions are a big draw all over the globe. By the 1980s, the public began questioning their inherent value and whether they did more harm than good. Taking animals from the wild is (in most cases) was seen as an increasingly bad thing. Zoos were relics of a much older age when high society took animals for the express entertainment of other people. But now, they have gone through a phase of enormous transition.

Where once they were about display and entertainment, they have taken to understanding the needs of the animals, engaged in conservation and breeding programs, moved towards education and research (48) . It is thanks to pressure from conservationists that their adoption of the sciences of zoology merely beyond environment and food. But zoos must continue to employ and consult zoologists and engage in the positive application of researcher findings, to remain relevant and do more good than harm.

Conservation and Ecology

Over the remainder of the century, it is likely that zoology will move from one of pure study to one where roles of professionals engage with ecology and conservation. From the control and management of invasive species to ensuring ecological balance for threatened species, zoology will continue to adapt to and work in conjunction with conservation biologists. Animals do not exist in isolation; they have an ecological role to fulfil that impacts and is impacted by plants, predators, prey, human actions such as agriculture, urbanization and land clearance for any other reason. It is likely that zoology will move more in line with the intended outcomes of environmental sciences, especially as recent degree options include such titles as conservation biology.

Another challenge related to conservation and ecology is the need to respect the boundaries of protected species, to study and conserve with minimal interruption, and performing studies in war zones and conflict areas. Site visits for large projects to examine endangered species bring the risk of ecological damage, animal attack, and risking the ire of a government if not handled properly.

Climate Change

Many of the conservation issues that zoologists may be required to assist with are caused by ongoing anthropogenic climate change. Changing climates can lead to bleaching of the oceans, the death of large areas of tree canopy, some areas will become wetter while some will become arid, extreme weather such as flooding and drought are also more prevalent. With climate change comes ecological change and that means a landscape's zoological profile will change. There are already reports of mosquitoes moving north from the equator and into subtropical regions where they have not been present for thousands of years. This could lead to the spread of diseases such as malaria.

Latitudinal Diversity Gradient

One of the biggest challenges for zoogeographers is in understanding how and why species diversity increases the closer we move to the equator. Heading either north or south towards either pole, biodiversity for animals and plants shrink until reaching the pole. Before we get there, landscapes do not become barren, but diversity certainly decreases (49) . It's been known for decades with many papers published on the phenomena. Perhaps the advent of big data analytics may be able to go some way to solving this puzzle for botanists and zoologists.

Unsolved Evolutionary Puzzles

And then there are the great puzzles for evolutionary theory. Some apply to plants, fungi and animals, but some particularly perplex zoology.

Cambrian Explosion : Specifically, the causes of the Cambrian Explosion, so-called because it led to the emergence of a large number of species in a relatively short time (70-80 million years). This is a long time by human standards, but before it, most life was single-celled and simple. There are few precursors on which to base a theory of how it happened and it is not clear whether the proto lifeforms that appeared prior to The Cambrian Explosion were true animals. By present evidence, the first simple animals are likely to have been sea sponges (50) .

Evolution of flight : This has never satisfactorily been explained - not just the how, but the why (51) . It's likely it developed from a simple wing seen in some modern flying squirrels and the Petaurus. They glide or float rather than engage in true flight, although no common fossils have been found to all birds, to bats, or even insects.

Evolution of sexual reproduction : The earliest single-celled lifeforms reproduced asexually and it's not clear precisely when sexual reproduction evolved (52) , although relatively recently in the fossil record at 1.2 billion years, some 600 million years before the Cambrian Explosion, and even before the earliest plants. Sexual reproduction now occurs in around 99% of species but its true origin and even why it evolved at all, is yet to be answered.

The search for common ancestors : Most of our evidence for evolution before the dawn of genetic science exists in comparisons of bone assemblages. The tree of life is a complex puzzle and sometimes ancestry is moved back. It is unlikely there are ancestor species for which we will never find remains because they no longer exist. With each piece of the puzzle, it's likely that more gaps will appear, although smaller than before. It's always been a problem that not enough fossils exist as they only survive under certain conditions. Yet the search goes on for common ancestors between the enormous range of diverse life.

Understanding Aging

Although we tend to assume that solving the mystery of ageing and age-related disease is one for geneticists studying humans, some of the answers we have received in recent years may yet come from zoology. In a study released in 2017, a seminal work on the anatomy, genetics and aging process of the cold water species the Greenland Shark, showed the creatures experience remarkable longevity - perhaps up to 400 years (with a margin of error of up to 120 years either side which means they could live to close to 500 years under normal circumstances) (52) . They grow just 1cm per year (less than 1/2 inch), live in an extremely cold environment, and have extremely slow metabolic rates.

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