Scope of Zoology: Meaning, Branches, and Careers

Scope of Zoology: Have you ever wondered how our body functions? How did we get to know that humans have 206 bones in the body? How do we know that DNA is the genetic material of our body? It was Zoology, the study of animals, that has helped us understand our bodies and all the other animals too. It also helps to understand their connection with other organisms and their habitats. The scope of zoology has grown immensely over the years due to revolutionary discoveries by many great scientists. For example, it was the discovery of the microscope that brought so much clarification in studies of microorganisms and other micro-components.

The study of animals has been going on since ancient times. The proof of this is the ancient caves whose stone walls have animal figures even today. The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote a book on animals 300 years before Christ. Galena was another Roman physician, who in the second century described many characteristics of animals with great clarity. Many other writers of Greece and Rome have written books on natural science, in which animals are mentioned. In this article, we will learn more about zoology and its importance in our everyday lives.

What is Zoology?

Zoology is also known as animal biology, is one of the main branches of science. Zoology is a Greek word that comes from ‘Zōion‘ meaning ‘animal’ and ‘logos‘ means ‘the study of’. Here we learn about animals in various aspects such as their morphology, anatomy, genetics, physiology, behaviours, and evolution. We also learn about the classification of animals into different kingdoms, extinct species, adaptations over the years, and their interaction with other species and abiotic factors of the ecosystems.

History of Zoology

The history of zoology goes back to ancient times. Prehistoric humans used to study the animals and plants and their behaviours in their surrounding environment to survive and make the most of it. There’s evidence in the form of cave paintings and sculptures and engravings in France dating back to almost \(15,000\) years, having explicit details of horses and deer drawn in detailed characteristics. The knowledge of wildlife was realistically depicted by their visualization of animals and techniques they used, such as fishing, hunting, and husbandry practices.

The famous ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was the first to analyze and give detailed records of animal observation. He is considered the father of zoology. Over the years, his studies inspired many other scientists to study living organisms in further detail. Many universities were established in Europe in the \({16^{{\rm{th}}}}\) Century. And by the middle of the \({17^{{\rm{th}}}}\) Century, divisions were founded in universities that concentrated solely on animal study.

The discovery of microscopes initiated whole new fields of study. Another breakthrough in zoology befell when the scientist Charles Darwin revealed the theory of evolution by natural selection, which revolutionized zoology and taxonomy. The discovery of DNA as life’s genetic material commenced more new research and knowledge about the natural world and the evolutionary relations between animals.

Branches of Zoology

There are numerous branches under the field of zoology as there is a lot to be learned about animals and their existence in the world.  It can be a particular species of an animal or animals in general. Animals are being studied and observed in different areas or fields. Below are some important branches of zoology:

1. Zootomy – Study of the anatomy of animals.
2. Ethology – Study related to the behaviour of animals and how it affects their evolution.
3. Evolution environment – Study of their origin and their adaptability to the environment.
4. Genetics – Study of genes, hereditary, and the variations.
5. Histology – Study of the anatomy of cells and tissues of animals.
6. Morphology – Study of external features of animals.
7. Taxonomy – Study of classification and nomenclature.
8. Zoogeography – Study of geographical distributions of animals.
9. Zoometry – Study of measurement of size and lengths of animal organs.

Fig: Branches of Zoology

Other few smaller branches of zoology include:

1. Arachnology – Study of spiders and other arachnids
2. Carcinology/crustaceology – Study of crustaceans and arthropods like crabs, lobsters, etc.
3. Cetology – Study of  marine animals
4. Herpetology – Study of reptiles and amphibians
5. Ichthyology – Study of fishes
6. Mammalogy/Mastology – Study of mammals
7. Malacology – Study of animals with shells like snails
8. Nematology – Study of roundworms
9. Neonatology -Study of newborn animals
10. Ornithology – Study of birds
11. Primatology – Study of primates like apes, monkeys, etc.
12. Protozoology – Study of protozoa
13. Entomology – Study of insects

Scope of Zoology

Zoology is one of the broad and conventional branches of biology that is chosen to study in the field of science. Zoology is the study of the animal kingdom that involves the anatomy, classification, physiology, characteristics, and evolution of all living and extinct animals. Hence, there is a lot of scope in the field of zoology around the globe.
Professional options after seeking graduation, post-graduation, and a doctorate in zoology are varied. Candidates get openings in various government departments, environmental agencies, universities, colleges, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, environmental, or ecological fields.

Zoology courses are offered for both bachelor’s and master’s candidates. In the scope of zoology, we learn about anatomy, physiology, genetics, behaviour and evolution, and other concepts related to it. Students can pursue various career opportunities after B.Sc. or M.Sc. or even a PhD.

Job opportunities in the scope of zoology include:

1. Animal clinics
2. Animal behaviourist
3. Animal control officer
4. Animal scientist 
5. Wildlife biologist
6. Marine scientist
7. Zoo curator
8. Conservationist
9. Forensic expert
10. Lab technicians
11. Veterinarians and many more.

Role of Zoology in Human Welfare

Zoology, or the study of animals, has significance in human welfare. Some of these are:

1. The study of useful and harmful animals like pests which are a threat to agriculture help to preserve the crops.
2. The study of animals helps to preserve and prevent the extinction of animals.
3. It helps to diagnose diseases, causative agents and find the right cure for them.
4. The human genetic study creates information with the potential to improve individual and community health.
5. Physiology and anatomy help to know about all body parts, their nature, and their functions.
6. Evaluation of genetics has introduced cross-breeding that is applied in animal husbandry practices and other fields.
7. Wildlife rehabilitator cares for wild animals that are orphaned or injured to improve their health so that they can return to their natural habitat.

Summary

Many people are intrigued by animals. Hence zoology has become a competitive field with many different types of jobs. Many zoologists study animals in labs or field settings as researchers. One must have a PhD in a respective field to be the head of a research lab. Zoologists work in zoos as zookeepers and zoo curators, take care of zoo animals, monitor their behaviour, train them, and educate the public about animals. A bachelor’s degree and some experience working with animals are required for entry-level jobs in zoology, while more superior positions may require a master’s or doctorate. Summing it up, Zoology is a broad and conventional branch of biology.

FAQs

Q.1. Is B.Sc. in Zoology good?
Ans: Graduation in BSC is one of the basic criteria required to get advanced in a particular subject and also to get entry-level jobs. Though, higher positions required masters and doctorates with work experience.

Q.2. Which has more scope botany or zoology?
Ans: Botany deals with the study of plants while zoology deals with animals. Zoology has more scope as it deals with animals including humans. There are more branches to be learnt in zoology when compared to botany.

Q.3. Is zoology a good career?
Ans: Zoology is the study of the animal kingdom that involves the anatomy, classification, physiology, characteristics, and evolution of all living and extinct animals. Hence, there is a lot of scope in the field of zoology around the globe.

Q.4. Are Zoologists rich?
Ans: According to research a zoologist can earn approximately up to \(7\) lakhs per annum. For starters, it might not be so high as one needs more experience to reach higher positions in order to earn more. A novice zoologist with experience of \(1-3\) years can earn approximately up to \(5\) lakhs per annum.

Q.5. What careers are there in zoology?
Ans: There are a lot of career opportunities in zoology such as Animal Scientist, Marine biologist, Animal control officer, Entomologist, Assistant professors, Lectures, Veterinary and many more.

We hope this detailed article on the Scope of Zoology helps you in your preparation. If you get stuck do let us know in the comments section below and we will get back to you at the earliest.