Professor

Dept.of Zoology

Govt. College

 Dholpur, Rajasthan, India 

Zoology is the branch of life sciences and biology that deals with the animal organisms and investigates the origin, structure, functions and distribution of life in animal kingdom. A common understanding of Zoology is as essential as is the understanding of man himself. It being too wide cannot be understood and grasped completely, but it does not mean that one should give up making efforts to understand it. The more the individual goes into the depth of the subject, the better his understanding is.

If somebody is overconfident of the exact and complete understanding of a wide subject like Zoology, he is either mistaken or just plain lying. It may be that one or a few parts or topics of Zoology are mastered over, but the whole of Zoology can never be understood. The simple reason why it is impossible to understand the whole of Zoology is that there are limits of the mind of man, and one life to understand the whole is too short. Moreover, the trends keep changing for which we need new tools to work with and new ways to look at things and study them.

So, nobody really understands Zoology. Scholars may have an understanding of it, but they do not completely understand the entire subject.The end result is that one never understands the subject in total. Zoology, like all the other subjects, can be best understood through the understanding and knowledge of the major concepts of Zoology.

The conceptualized knowledge of Zoology leads from imperfection to perfection. Morphology, Physiology, Taxonomy, Endocrinology, Embryology, Ecology, Genetics, Evolution, Palaeontology, ZoogeographyProtozoology, Helminthology, Parasitology, Entomology, Malacology, Ichthyology, Herpetology, Ornithology, Mammalogy etc. are some of the concepts in Zoology that need to be understood first for having a moderate understanding of Zoology.

Zoology, an integral branch of biology is the study of animals and their behavior, physiology, physiology, physiology and physiology. It studies both the living and the extinct animals, and encompasses within it a wide range of subjects, such as, physiology, physiology, physiology, physiology and psychiatry. Zoology links us with the environment and natural world and with the various behavioral and interactional aspectsof the animals.

The word ‘Zoology’ is made up of two words ‘zoo’ and ‘logy’ which have been derived respectively from‘zioni’ which means animal and ‘Science or study’Thus, the etymological meaning of the term ‘Zoology’ is ‘the science of animals. In other words, Zoology may be defined as a specific branch of science which deals with the study of animals, theirstructure,functions, properties, behaviour etc. in terms of environment. The study of Zoology furnishes the basis for psychological and sociological studies.

Integral Relationship between Biology & Zoology

The integral relationship between Biology and Zoology can be traced and understood through the following-

1.     Zoology is helpful in the understanding of the immense diversity of animal species on Earth.

2.     Zoology helps us develop and prepare conservation strategies and manage ecosystems to preserve animal population and habitats of the animals.

3.     Zoology provides insights into human diseases, anatomy, and genetics that help in exploring and finding medical treatment for the various diseases.

4.     Zoology enables us to understand the evolutionary processes and adaptations in animals.

Three Major Sub-divisions in Zoology

1.     Subject-matter based subdivision which encompasses within its wide range Morphology, Physiology, Taxonomy, Endocrinology, Embryology, Ecology, Genetics, Evolution, Palaeontology, Zoogeography etc.

2.     Animal studied based subdivision which covers Protozoology, Helminthology, Parasitology, Entomology, Malacology, Ichthyology. Herpetology, Ornithology, Mammalogy etc.

3.     Practical Application based subdivision which includes Animal Husbandry, Piggery, Poultry, Aquaculture, Apiculture, Sericulture etc.

For the convenience and proper understanding, let us discuss the animal studied based subdivision in Zoology one-by-one-

Major Animal Studied Based Zoological Sub-divisionalConcepts

Protozoology

Protozoology, the study of single-celled microorganism protozoa, is an important concept in Zoology. It examines the morphology, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, and evolution of protozoa and the role of protozoa in various ecosystems, their interactions with other organisms, and their importance in medicine (as causative agents of diseases). ‘Protozoa represent the most primitive eukaryotes. They have given rise to all multicellular plants and animals in the course of evolution.’¹

Today, ‘the field is well established but still a domain of a limited number of specialists, while general soil ecologists have problems to incorporate the new knowledge appropriately, in contrast to marine and limnetic plankton researchers, where the ‘microbial loop,’ that is, the intimate connection of dissolved organic matter, bacteria, and protists, greatly changed views and research strategies.’²

Helminthology

Helminthology is the study of parasitic worms. The field studies the taxonomy of helminths and their effects on their hosts. The origin of the first compound of the word is the Greek ἕλμινς - helmins, meaning "worm".

‘In 1978, the theory behind helminth parasites having the potential to regulate the abundance of their host populations was formalized based on the understanding that those helminthmacroparasites that reduce survival or fecundity of the infected host population would be among the forces limiting unregulated host population growth. Now, 45 years later, a phenomenal breadth of factors that directly or indirectly affect the host–helminth interaction has emerged.’³

Parasitology

Parasitology is the study of parasites, which are organisms that live on or within another organism (the host) and benefit at the host's expense. Parasites can be found in a wide range of organisms, including animals, plants, and even microorganisms. There are many different types of parasites, including protozoa, helminths, and arthropods, and they can cause a wide range of diseases in their hosts.

‘The most common species in the Emilia-Romagna region are T. serialis and T. hydatigena.The wolf is the main definitive host for Taeniaserialis, while roe deer is the main intermediate host.Potentially zoonotic Taenia spp. are present in Northern-Italian wildlife populations.’⁴

Entomology

Entomology is the scientific study of insects. It is a branch of zoology that focuses on the classification, behavior, ecology, morphology, physiology, and evolution of insects, as well as their interactions with other organisms and the environment. An entomologist is a scientist who studies insects. They study the behavior, ecology, and physiology of insects, as well as their interactions with other organisms and the environment. Entomologists may also conduct research on pest management and control, or use insects in agriculture, medicine, or forensic entomology.

‘The threat of spreading disease-causing pathogens when the Asian tiger mosquito takes a blood meal provides more visibility to the harm of this invasive species. However, European honey bees have contributed to the reduction of native species of both animals and plants. When they crowd out competition and selectively pollinate certain flowers instead of others, A. mellifera can cause shifts in the ecosystem. Regarding human interaction, a bite from the Asian tiger mosquito is mild and sometimes unnoticed; however, the pain of honey bee stings is relatively stronger. However, the pain of the bee’s sting is temporary and does not carry the same risk of spreading pathogens.’⁵

Malacology

Malacology is the branch of invertebrate zoology that deals with the study of the Mollusca, the second-largest phylum of animals in terms of described species after the arthropods. Mollusks include snails and slugs, clams, and cephalopods, along with numerous other kinds, many of which have shells.

‘In 1795, Georges Cuvier proposed a new classification of invertebrate animals based on anatomical data. He created a new concept of mollusks as representatives of a unique type of morphological organization of animals. Before Cuvier, the name “mollusks” was used only for cephalopods without external shells and slugs, whereas all shelled mollusks were placed in another taxon, Testacea. The Cuvier’s works (1795a, b, 1798) are considered here as the starting point of transformation of classical conchology (= study of shells) into modern malacology (= study of molluscous animals as whole organisms). This process ended in 1825 when the very term “malacology” was finally established by Ducrotay de Blainville.’⁶

Ichthyology

Ichthyology is the branch of zoology that deals with fish. It includes the study of the development, anatomy (structure), physiology (function), behavior, classification, genetics, and ecology of fish. ‘Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates, with more than one-half  of the total  vertebrate species. Approximately 33000 living species of fishes were described so far.

Now, Ichthyology is considered to be the study of fish populations, their habitat requirements, and fisheries resources.Ichthyology originated near the beginning of the Upper Paleolithic period, about forty thousand years ago, and continues to the present day. Fishes would be just as diverse and successful without ichthyologists studying them, but what we know about their diversity is the product of the efforts of workers worldwide over several centuries.⁷

Herpetology

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. As long as reptiles and amphibians exist, it's worthwhile to learn as much as we can about them, just as it's worthwhile to study ornithology (birds), or theology (gods) or anthropology (humans). ‘At a time when biologists are resisting taxonomically  defined it  in general,  finding  that  it  makes  more  sense  to define  themselves  as  ecologists,  physiologists and molecular systematists than as ornithologists or  mammalogists,  herpetology  is  a  field  which crosses disciplines.^’8

Ornithology

Ornithology is the study of different aspects related to birds. The word Ornithology is derived from the ancient Greek, “Ornis” meaning birds and “logos” meaning theory, which refers to the theory of birds or the bird's theory. In Latin terminology, Ornithology refers to Birds Science. ‘India is one of the 12 mega-diversity countries of the world due to its rich biological and cultural diversities.

The ecosystems of India range from alpine grasslands, humid rain forest, dry deciduous forests, hot and cold deserts to coastal mangrove forests. The country has nine major languages and more than 300 dialects, distributed over 26 regional states with their own sub-cultures. According to the latest classification of Sibley & Monroe (1990), the Indian subcontinent has nearly 1330 species of birds. All the language and sub-cultures of India have a rich tradition of description of birds.’⁹

Mammalogy

Mammalogy is the study of mammals – a class of vertebrates with characteristics such as homeothermic metabolism, fur, four-chambered hearts, and complex nervous systems. Mammalogy has also been known as “mastology,” “theriology,” and “therology.

‘To mammalogists, the increased knowledge of the natural world as well as potential economic benefits of research adequately illustrate the importance of mammalogy; however, the increased understanding of mammalian evolution and biodiversity can also influence various other fields of study, including public education (Gore et al., 2006) and wildlife conservation (Young, 1994).’¹⁰

Study-Oriented Objectives

1.     To study and produce the Zoology-related matter through the various traditional and modern data-supplying sources

2.     To explore the various subdivisions in Zoology

3.     To make a focal study of the animal studied subdivision of Zoology and to produce a list of such subdivisions for the perusal of the scholars who are willing to develop an understanding of Zoology

4.     To point out the relationship between Biology and Zoology, and the contribution of Zoology in the understanding various branches and aspects of Biology

5.     To develop a close familiarity with the animal studied subdivisions of Zoology in the readers and scholars.

Research Methodology

As the title of the study suggests, it is a theoretical work on the understanding of Zoology. For the purpose of making the study, scientific method was used following the prescribed process of research. The previous knowledge of the author and his going through the specified selected studies made inland and abroad helped him arrive at the conclusion and at making generalization about the various important concepts of Zoology.

Findings, Suggestions & Conclusion

1.     Zoology, the study of animal life, includes observing animals both in their natural habitats and in the laboratory. It studies the origin and development of animal species, the habits and behavior of animals, and the interaction between animals and their environment.

2.     Protozoa, the microscopic unicellular eukaryotes are one-celled animals, are found worldwide in most habitats. Most species are free living, but all higher animals are infected with one or more species of protozoa. Protozoa have a relatively complex internal structure and carry out complex metabolic activities. ‘Chia Chi Wang is clearly one of the great biologists of China, an educator and a patriotic scholar. He was a role model for Chinese zoologists. He made an indelible historical contribution to Chinese protozoology and rotiferology.’¹¹

3.     Helminthology, a sub-discipline of invertebrate zoology, is a study of the animals that lack a vertebral column, that is, backbone.‘The morphology of the parasites concerned is dealt with in a general way and sufficient account is given about their general characteristics to enable specific parasites to be identified.’¹²

4.     Parasitology studies parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them. It helps us understand the world of parasite animals.

5.     Entomology studies insects, and enables us to develop an understanding about the insects and their behavioural activities in different environmental situations.

6.     Malacology studies scientifically the mollusks, like snails, clams, octopods, etc. It is quite helpful in enhancing our knowledge about the mollusks.

7.     The branch of Zoology which is entirely devoted to the study of the various types of fish is called Ichthyology. It develops our understanding of the fish in all the aspects.

8.     Herpetology studies all the species of reptiles and amphibians. It enables the people to be familiar with the various types of reptiles and amphibians in the world.

9.     Ornithology makes the study of birds. It brings us closer to the birds and their zoolo-environmental aspects

10.   Mammalogy is the study of mammals and is quite helpful in the understanding of the various mammals.

Ways to Develop an Understanding of Zoology

1.     Personal learning style of the individuals

2.     Personal observation and perception of the animals

3.     The college or university education in Zoology

4.     Developing the hobby of reading books or scientific journals on the different aspects of Zoology

5.     Watching educational videos or documentaries on animal groups

6.     Visiting zoo, wildlife sanctuary and natural habitats

7.     Participating in field research or internships with zoologists

References

1.     Karl Gottlieb Grell-Protozoology, Springer Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg GmbH 1973

2.     W. Foissner- Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, 2005

3.     M.E. Scott- Helminth-host-environment interactions: Looking down from the tip of the iceberg, Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 July 2023

4.     Simone Bariselli, Giulia Maioli, Giovanni Pupillo, MattiaCalzolari, Deborah Torri, LetiziaCirasella, Andrea Luppi, Camilla Torreggiani, Chiara Garbarino, FilippoBarsi, GianlucaRugna, Michele Dottori-Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Taenia spp. parasites found in wildlife in the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy (2017–2022), International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, Volume 22, December 2023, Pages 20-27

5.     Casey Parker, LinaBernaola, Benjamin W Lee, Adrian Marshall, Adrian Pekarcik, Kendall King, KayleighHauri, Christopher McCullough, Whitney Hadden, Max Ragozzino, James, C Scott Clem, Anh Tran, and Dylan Tussey-Entomology in the 21st Century: Tackling Insect Invasions, Promoting Advancements in Technology, and Using Effective Science Communication—2018 Student Debates, J Insect Sci. 2019 Jul; 19(4): 4.

6.     Maxim V. Vinarski-The birth of malacology. When and how?, Zoosystematics and Evolution 90(1) (2014)

7.     Vishnupriya K. M, Rekha J Nair&Sangeetha a T-   ICAR-CMFRI -Winter School on “Recent Development in Taxonomic Techniques of Marine Fishes for Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries Management”- Jan 03-23, 2022 at CMFRI, Kochi-Manual

8.     Kate Jackson-Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles, Phyllomedusa Journal of Herpetology 2014,  12(2):147

9.     Asad R. Rahmani-The growth of ornithology in India and the contribution of indigenous knowledge, Centre of Wildlife & Ornithology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

10.   Matthew R. Mauldin, Jeffrey B. Doty, Yoshinori Nakazawa, Ginny L. Emerson, and Darin S. Carroll-The Importance of Mammalogy, Infectious Disease Research, and Biosafety in the Field, NLM, Manter (Linc). 2016: 3.

11.   Chia Chi Wang and his research on Protozoology-Ting Shi and Lei Fu, Protein Cell. 2022 Jul; 13(7): 473–475.

12.   Prof. H. O. Mönnig-Veterinary Helminthology and Entomology. Nature 136, 89 (1935)