zoology

Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals, including their structure, function, behavior, distribution, and classification. Zoologists seek to understand how animals live, reproduce, interact with other organisms, and adapt to their environments. The field covers a wide range of levels, from cellular processes to whole-organism physiology and ecosystem dynamics. It also overlaps with related disciplines such as taxonomy, ecology, genetics, and veterinary science.

Major subfields include anatomy and physiology, comparative morphology, developmental biology (embryology), genetics, ethology (animal behavior), ecology, and paleozoology. Taxonomy and systematics address how species are named and related, while conservation biology applies zoological knowledge to protect species and their habitats. Research methods combine field observations, laboratory experiments, microscopy, molecular biology, and computational analysis. Model organisms such as fruit flies, nematodes, and zebrafish are commonly used to study fundamental processes.

Zoology has deep historical roots, with naturalists such as Aristotle laying early foundations. The modern discipline expanded with Linnaeus's classification, increasing specialization in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the integration of evolutionary theory. In recent decades, molecular techniques and genomics have transformed the study of genes, development, and evolutionary relationships, complementing traditional anatomy and behavior research.

Applications of zoological knowledge include biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, agriculture, medicine, and environmental assessment. Zoologists contribute to understanding how animals respond to climate change, habitat loss, and human activity, and to the design of strategies to preserve ecosystems. Ethical considerations and animal welfare guide contemporary research and conservation practice.