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zoology

The term “zoology” refers to the branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom. Here’s an overview of its definition, etymology, and origin:

  1. Definition: Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their behaviour, physiology, classification, and distribution. It encompasses various sub-disciplines that focus on different aspects of animal life, from the cellular level to the complex interactions within ecosystems.
  2. Etymology and Origin:
    • The word “zoology” comes from the Greek words “zōion,” meaning “animal,” and “logia,” meaning “study of” or “science.” Thus, it literally translates to “the science of animals.”
    • Zoology as a scientific discipline began to emerge distinctly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Before this, the study of animals was generally part of natural history, a broader field that included the study of plants and minerals as well.
    • The development of zoology as a separate branch of biology was influenced by the work of researchers like Carl Linnaeus and Georges Cuvier, who made significant contributions to classifying and understanding animal life.