Welcome to ZoologyWhat is Zoology?
I. Definition of ZoologyA. Zoology is the scientific study of
animals… Includes function, structure and
ecology One of the broadest field
For example, there are 20,000 described species of bony fishes
B. Subdiscipline of Biology
Yellow Perch
II. History of ZoologyEarly 1800s Early interest of animals based on human
survival – food and hides, work and protection.
Mid-1800s Explorations of the new world result in
discoveries of new species. Linnaeus provides a “user-friendly” system for naming and classifying species.
II. History of Zoology1874Zoos “spring up” across the globe.
Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest zoo which opened in July.
II. History of ZoologyEarly 1900sHumans prosper…
increased interest in pleasure animals/recreation. Pet industry begins. Many breeds established.
II. History of ZoologyMid-1900sAdvances in medicine as a result of studying
animals1. Horseshoe Crab – studies on the long, single
cell of the horseshoe crab’s optic nerve help establish the field of neurobiology (study of cells of the nervous system).
Zoology TodayNew biodiversity on Madagascar (1999-2010)615 new species have been discovered on the
island of Madagascar, located off the coast of Africa. The new finds comprise 385 plants, 42 invertebrates, 17 fish, 69 amphibians, 61 reptiles and 41 mammals
Biodiversity in MadagascarMadame Berthe’s mouse lemur – world’s tiniest primate
at 3.6 inches in length, discovered in 2000, Madagascar
Biodiversity in MadagascarCalumma tarzan – Chameleon species named
by scientists after famous forest dweller; found in 2010.
Biodiversity in MadagascarCork Bark Leaf-Tailed Gecko – Evaded
scientists for a long time with its perfect camouflage
Biodiversity in MadagascarLiophidium pattoni – snake that stands out
with its pink, yellow and black pattern. Discovered in 2010
Biodiversity in MadagascarCalumma crypticum – Chameleon that is one
of 61 new reptiles discovered in the last 11 years.
Biodiversity in MadagascarBoophis bottae – Frog species found in
eastern rainforest belt of Madagascar
Biodiversity in MadagascarKomac’s golden orb spiderm – Largest web spinning
species know, spins huge webs of golden silk. Web is 1 meter (about 3 feet) in diameter.
Animal Makeovers
III. Subdisciplines in ZoologyZoology is a broad field with many
subdisciplinesExamples include:
1. Entomologyo Study of insects
2. Ichthyologyo Study of fish
3. Herpetologyo Study of reptiles and amphibians
4. Ornithologyo Study of birds
IV. Main ThemesA. Origin and Evolution of various animal groups,
noting when various milestones in animal body design were achieved.
B. Taxonomy – scientifically naming and classifying species
C. Dispelling popular MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS about various animals
Dogs only see in black and white Purring cats are always happy cats The Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects are
endangered and threatened species from any harm.
IV. Main ThemesD. SMALL ANIMAL CAREE. The ECOLOGICAL ROLES of animalsF. APPRECIATION of animals and their roles in
our lives.
V. Introducing the 10 Phyla…1. Porifera2. Cnideria (formerly Coelenterata)3. Ctenophora4. Platyhelminthes5. Nematoda6. Annelida7. Mollusca8. Arthropoda9. Echinodermata10.Chordata