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ZOOLOGY AS A COURSE OF STUDY

By

M.N.O. Uwamose

Department of Zoology, Delta State University, Abraka.

INTRODUCTION

Zoology is a thriving, multidisciplinary science that is central to our

understanding of the world.

Zoology is the study of animals and their ecology, behavior, structure,

physiology, anatomy, embryology, development, origin, distributions, evolution, and

relationships with other organisms. Zoology encompasses the workings of the entire

animal kingdom, from viruses to horses, and includes a vast array of disciplines.

Zoology doesn’t limit its graduates to a particular discipline but rather its knowledge is

central to the total understanding of the world.

Zoology can be both a basic and applied science. In the basic form, the zoologist

studies living things but may not consider whether the information gained is

immediately useful. Applied zoology applies already known knowledge of animals to

research projects that attempt to better humankind or other animal life. Zoologists

research all aspects of animal life at all levels of organization – ecosystem, community,

and population, whole organism, cellular and molecular.

As Zoologist, we seek to determine the fundamental principles that underpin

animal life, both past and present, from their morphology, function, physiology,

behavior and evolution. Animals studied can include any from the wide diversity of

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phyla including protozoans, jellyfish, worms, snails, insects, fishes, amphibians,

reptiles, birds and mammals.

Underpinned by the scientific method, zoology is a fascinating branch of science

that enables us to better understand animals, the environment and ultimately

ourselves.

SPECIALTIES IN ZOOLOGY

Zoology is a diverse course. The knowledge of zoology covers many specialties,

some of which include:

Nematology – study of nematodes

Protozoology – study of one celled animals and its protozoa

Entomology – study of insects

Hydrobiology – study of life in water

Parasitology – study of animal parasites

Embryology – study of development of organism from its beginning

Mammalogy – study of mammals

Ornithology – study of birds

Ichthyology – study of fishes

Herpelogy – study of reptile and amphibilians

Ethology – scientific study of animal behavior

Zoogeography – study of distribution of animals on the surface of the earth.

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Other fields or areas of specialization in Zoology includes; Animal Ecology,

Animal Systematic, Animal Anatomy, Animal Physiology, Genetics, Invertebrate

Zoology, Toxicology, Histology, Animal Evolution, etc.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Zoology graduates are prepared for careers in a range of areas including

conservation, natural resource, management, environmental consultancy, forensic

entomology, medical research, fisheries and education. Some zoologists do study

animals in their natural habitats yet the majority of others work in zoos, laboratories

and research stations. Basically, zoologists work in a wide range of fields and specialize

in different types of work and animals. Positions may include field or laboratory

technician, animals’ career, aquarium directors, museum curators, teacher or

researcher in conservation agencies (conservationists) and environmental consultancy

companies, universities or government agencies.

TYPICAL TASKS OF A ZOOLOGIST

Some of the tasks of a zoologist include the following;

Study animals and their natural habitat and interactions with their environment,

Organize and implement studies to analyze and monitor ongoing wildlife and

habitat projects,

Inventory plant and animal communities,

Carry out environmental impact assessments

Conduct field research and analyze, interpret and report their findings

Report findings and make recommendations on management systems and

planning for wildlife populations and habitat

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Estimate animal and wildlife populations for management programs

Consult with stakeholders and the public at large to explore animal and wildlife

management options

Make recommendations regarding the sustainable development of resources

Recommend operating conditions for industrial activities to negate or minimize

damage to animals or their habitat

Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of animal diseases

Prepare informative brochures, books, slide shows, information videos and

computer programs

Provide information, make presentations and give talks for schools, clubs,

interest groups, etc.

WHERE A ZOOLOGIST WORK?

Zoologists work both indoors conducting experiments in laboratories and

outdoors doing field research. Zoologists may work in research or consulting with

governments, in large environmental companies that conduct environmental

assessments and manage reclamation projects, for large resource-based corporations

such as pulp and paper producers and oil and gas companies. They also work in

museums, zoos, aquariums, hospitals, and as private ecological consultants with

organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, or as inspectors or laboratory

technicians. Zoologists with PhDs can teach at universities and lead students with

research projects.

One of the fastest growing areas of employment for zoologists is as

environmental consultants or ecologists. They offer expert information on the impact of

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industrial projects on wildlife and their habitat. These zoologists often freelance or work

for companies that contract their services including the government. For example, they

may provide research reports and recommendations regarding chemical and herbicide

manufacture, forest industry activities, or mineral and oil exploration activities.