What is the Full Form of Zoology?
Zoology doesn't have a "full form" in the way that some acronyms or abbreviations do. Instead, the term itself is derived from Greek roots: zoion, meaning animal, and logos, meaning study. Therefore, zoology literally translates to "the study of animals."
Zoology is a vast branch of biology dedicated to the study of animals. This includes a wide range of aspects, such as:
- Structure: The physical makeup and anatomy of animals.
- Embryology: The development of animals from fertilization to birth or hatching.
- Classification: Organizing animals into groups based on shared characteristics (taxonomy).
- Habits: The behaviors and lifestyles of animals.
- Distribution: Where different animals live across the globe.
Many subfields exist within zoology, focusing on specific animal groups (e.g., ornithology for birds, mammalogy for mammals) or aspects of animal life (e.g., animal behavior, animal physiology).
Examples of Zoology in Practice:
- Researchers studying the migration patterns of birds.
- Scientists classifying newly discovered species of insects.
- Conservation biologists working to protect endangered animals.
- Veterinarians diagnosing and treating animal diseases.
Key Resources:
- Wikipedia's Zoology page provides a comprehensive overview of the field.
- Merriam-Webster's definition of Zoology offers a concise and accurate explanation.
- Britannica's article on Zoology gives a detailed history and exploration of the subject.