A Closer Look: Definition of Zoology

Are you looking for a definition for zoology? According to the dictionary, zoology is defined as: 

1. branch of biology that deals with animals, their life, structure, growth, classification, etc.
2. the animal life of an area; fauna
3. the characteristics or properties of an animal or animal group

So, what does all this mean?

Zoology is a type of biology with a main concern of the study of animals.

• A person who studies zoology is known as a zoologist.
• The study of zoology is a vast field, therefore, it goes without saying that there are many individual fields of zoology that you can specialize in rather than holding a general degree as a zoologist.
• A zoologist who specializes in the study of fish is called a zoologist, but for all intensive purposes is properly known as an ichthyologist.
• Another example is a zoologist whose primary focus is the study of mammals. Although this person is a zoologist, their dedication of study to a specific focus to learning about all mammals would technically make them a mammalogist.

Study of Zoology and Famous Zoologists

Part of understanding zoology involves knowing a bit about the history of the field:

• There is evidence to suggest that zoology has existed since the time of Ancient Greece and Aristotle.
• Aristotle was the first to classify animals and, in the early days of zoology, many zoologists used his work to gain some type of understanding of animals within the animal kingdom. However, it is known today by modern zoologists that Aristotle made many mistakes pertaining to the way animals should be classified.
• Darwin’s theory of evolution improved the study of zoology in leaps and bounds and was the beginning of modern day zoology. In Darwin’s studies, he related how humans came to exist through evolution from animals. This has become the accepted principle in the study of zoology and the study of human existence and explains how humans are a part of the animal kingdom.

Paleozoology

It is important to note that, i addition to studying animals in the present, it is also necessary to study animals in the past.

• The study of animals and their habitats in the past in order to tell the story of how they became extinct is a separate field of zoology known as paleozoology.
• A person that focuses on the study of paleozoology is known as a paleozoologist.
• Paleozoologists focus on the study of animals and creatures that existed long ago, whose existence is only proven by their fossilized remains.
• Paleozoologists often work in coordination with paleontologists, paleobotanists, and physical anthropologists.

Becoming a Zoologist

In order to become a zoologist, you are required to attend many years of college to learn everything you can about animals and to focus on specific aspects of zoology.

There are many universities that offer courses in zoology at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD. degree levels. Some of the subjects that you will study as part of your education as a zoologist include:

• Cell biology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Ecology
• Biology

You will also be required to take courses that will help you specialize in the type of zoology in which you wish to specialize.

So, now you know a definition for zoology, details about what zoologists do, and information on how to become a zoologist.