An example of a zoology, as a specific field of animal study, is mammalogy.
Understanding Zoology and its Subfields
Zoology is the branch of biology dedicated to the study of animals. However, given the vast diversity of animal life, zoology is further divided into numerous specialized subfields. These subfields focus on specific groups of animals or specific aspects of animal biology.
Examples of Zoology Subfields
The reference text provides several examples of zoology subfields, which we can present more clearly:
| Subfield of Zoology | Description |
|---|---|
| Mammalogy | The study of mammals. |
| Herpetology | The study of reptiles and amphibians. |
| Ornithology | The study of birds. |
| Entomology | The study of insects. |
| Ichthyology | The study of fish. |
| Invertebrate Zoology | The study of animals without a backbone (invertebrates). |
| Animal Histology | The study of animal tissues. |
| Animal Embryology | The study of the development of animal embryos. |
| Taxonomy | Identification and classification of animals; overlaps with the fields above. |
Mammalogy as an Example
Mammalogy, therefore, is a specific example of a zoology because it narrows the scope of study to solely the classification, evolution, behavior, physiology, and ecology of mammals. It's a deep dive into a specific class within the animal kingdom.
