Introduction
The study of animals is an important area of biological science that helps people understand how animals live, grow, reproduce, communicate, behave, and interact with their environments.
The scientific study of animals is generally called zoology. It includes animals living in natural habitats as well as those kept in controlled environments. Zoologists may investigate animal anatomy, genetics, behavior, diseases, reproduction, movement, evolution, and relationships with ecosystems.
The field is much broader than observing wildlife. Researchers may collect biological samples, monitor populations, use tracking technology, conduct laboratory experiments, study habitats, and analyze the effects of human activity on animal species.
Some zoologists specialize in one particular group, such as birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, fish, or marine animals. Others focus on a specific subject, such as animal behavior, physiology, conservation, genetics, or ecology.
This guide explains what the study of animals is called, its major branches, the methods scientists use, its importance to society, and the career opportunities available to students interested in animals.
What Is the Study of Animals Called?
The scientific study of animals is called zoology.
Zoology is a branch of biology concerned with animals and animal life. It examines both vertebrates, which have backbones, and invertebrates, which do not.
The field may investigate:
- Animal structure
- Body functions
- Behavior
- Reproduction
- Development
- Evolution
- Classification
- Genetics
- Diseases
- Habitats
- Population changes
- Relationships with other organisms
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals in captivity and in the wild, including the ways animals interact with their ecosystems. Their work may also examine how human activity affects wildlife and natural habitats.
Zoology therefore includes many specialized subjects rather than representing only one type of research.
What Is Zoology?
Zoology is the biological science of animal life.
A zoologist may study an entire species, a particular body system, one type of behavior, or a population living in a specific ecosystem.
For example, one researcher may investigate how birds migrate. Another may study the digestive system of an insect. A third may monitor the declining population of a marine mammal.
Zoology can include both basic and applied research.
Basic Zoological Research
Basic research aims to increase scientific understanding.
It may investigate questions such as:
- How do animals communicate?
- Why do some species migrate?
- How does an animal develop before birth?
- How are two animal species related?
- How does an animal recognize a mate?
- Why has a particular physical feature evolved?
Applied Zoological Research
Applied research uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.
It may support:
- Wildlife conservation
- Animal welfare
- Disease control
- Habitat management
- Endangered-species recovery
- Sustainable agriculture
- Invasive-species control
- Environmental policy
The results of animal studies can help governments, conservation organizations, communities, and land managers make better decisions.
Major Branches of the Study of Animals
Because millions of animal species exist, zoology is divided into many branches. Some branches focus on particular groups of animals, while others focus on body systems, behavior, development, or environmental relationships.
1. Mammalogy
Mammalogy is the study of mammals.
Mammals are animals that generally have hair or fur and feed their young with milk. Examples include humans, elephants, whales, bats, dogs, monkeys, and bears.
Mammalogists may study:
- Mammal behavior
- Reproduction
- Evolution
- Population size
- Habitat requirements
- Migration
- Disease
- Conservation
Research may take place in forests, grasslands, deserts, oceans, laboratories, museums, or wildlife centers.
2. Ornithology
Ornithology is the study of birds.
Ornithologists may investigate:
- Bird migration
- Nesting behavior
- Feeding patterns
- Songs and communication
- Reproduction
- Population decline
- Adaptation
- Habitat use
Birds can also provide useful information about environmental change because their populations may respond to habitat loss, pollution, food availability, and changing climate conditions.
3. Ichthyology
Ichthyology is the study of fish.
This field can include freshwater and marine species, such as:
- Sharks
- Rays
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Lungfish
- Eels
- Reef fish
Ichthyologists may examine fish anatomy, migration, breeding, disease, ecology, fisheries, and conservation.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists ichthyology among the common zoological specializations based on animal groups.
4. Herpetology
Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians.
It includes animals such as:
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Turtles
- Crocodiles
- Frogs
- Toads
- Salamanders
Herpetologists may research venom, reproduction, body temperature, disease, habitat requirements, or population changes.
Because many amphibians are sensitive to changes in water, temperature, pollution, and habitat conditions, they may be studied as indicators of environmental stress.
5. Entomology
Entomology is the study of insects.
Insects form an extremely diverse group and include:
- Butterflies
- Beetles
- Bees
- Ants
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Grasshoppers
- Dragonflies
Entomologists may study insects in relation to agriculture, pollination, disease transmission, forests, food systems, ecosystems, and biological control.
Some insects damage crops, while others pollinate plants, recycle nutrients, provide food for other species, or help control pests.
6. Marine Zoology
Marine zoology focuses on animals that live in oceans and other saltwater environments.
Marine zoologists may study:
- Whales
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Sharks
- Corals
- Octopuses
- Crabs
- Jellyfish
- Sea turtles
- Marine worms
Their research may involve underwater observation, boats, tagging equipment, laboratory samples, satellite data, or remote cameras.
Marine biologists are among the specialists who study fish and other wildlife living in ocean environments.
7. Cetology
Cetology is the scientific study of whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Researchers may investigate:
- Communication
- Migration routes
- Feeding
- Social groups
- Reproduction
- Population numbers
- Effects of underwater noise
- Human-animal conflict
Fieldwork may require researchers to spend long periods at sea while collecting photographs, sound recordings, location data, or biological samples.
8. Malacology
Malacology is the study of mollusks.
Mollusks include:
- Snails
- Slugs
- Clams
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Squid
- Octopuses
Researchers may study their anatomy, shells, movement, habitats, reproduction, ecological importance, or commercial value.
9. Primatology
Primatology is the study of primates.
Primates include:
- Monkeys
- Apes
- Lemurs
- Humans
Primatologists often investigate social relationships, communication, intelligence, tool use, parenting, cooperation, conflict, and evolution.
Research may take place in natural habitats, zoos, sanctuaries, laboratories, or archaeological settings.
10. Ethology
Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior, particularly behavior observed as a natural or adaptive characteristic.
Researchers may study:
- Courtship
- Mating
- Communication
- Territorial behavior
- Parenting
- Cooperation
- Aggression
- Feeding
- Migration
- Learning
- Social organization
The Animal Behavior Society describes animal-behavior research as a broad field using descriptive and experimental methods in natural and controlled environments. It includes subjects such as behavioral ecology, neuroscience, psychology, zoology, and applied ethology.
11. Animal Ecology
Animal ecology examines relationships between animals and their environments.
An animal ecologist may study:
- Food sources
- Predators
- Reproduction
- Shelter
- Migration
- Population size
- Competition
- Habitat conditions
- Relationships with plants
- Relationships with other animals
Ecologists studying an animal commonly consider its food, reproductive behavior, predators, habitat, migration, shelter, population, and interactions with other organisms.
12. Animal Physiology
Animal physiology is the study of how animal bodies function.
It may examine:
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Circulation
- Movement
- Hormones
- Reproduction
- Temperature control
- Nervous systems
- Sensory systems
Physiologists may investigate how animals survive extreme heat, cold, low oxygen, deep water, or limited food availability.
13. Animal Anatomy
Animal anatomy is the study of body structures and their parts.
It examines organs, bones, muscles, tissues, and physical systems.
Anatomical comparisons can help researchers understand how animals move, feed, survive, and evolve.
For example, comparing the wings of birds with the forelimbs of mammals can provide information about structure, function, and evolutionary relationships.
14. Embryology
Embryology is the study of development before birth or hatching.
Researchers may examine:
- Fertilization
- Cell division
- Organ formation
- Growth
- Genetic development
- Birth defects
- Egg development
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes embryology among the specialized fields connected with zoology and wildlife biology.
15. Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of identifying, naming, and classifying organisms.
Animal taxonomists compare features such as:
- Physical structure
- Genetics
- Behavior
- Reproduction
- Evolutionary relationships
Classification helps scientists organize animal diversity and communicate clearly about different species.
16. Evolutionary Zoology
Evolutionary zoology studies how animal species change across generations.
Researchers may investigate:
- Natural selection
- Adaptation
- Common ancestry
- Genetic variation
- Fossil evidence
- Speciation
- Extinction
This field helps explain why animals possess particular body structures, behaviors, or survival strategies.
Zoology vs. Animal Science
Zoology and animal science both involve animals, but they usually have different areas of emphasis.
| Zoology | Animal Science |
|---|---|
| Studies animal life broadly | Often focuses on domesticated or agricultural animals |
| Includes wild and captive species | Frequently includes livestock and food production |
| Examines behavior, ecology, anatomy, and evolution | Examines breeding, nutrition, health, and management |
| May support wildlife conservation | May support agriculture and animal production |
| Often includes field and laboratory research | Often includes farms, laboratories, and production systems |
Animal science may focus more heavily on cattle, sheep, poultry, horses, pigs, or other domesticated animals.
Zoology normally covers a wider range of animal groups and scientific questions.
Zoology vs. Veterinary Medicine
Zoologists and veterinarians work with animal-related knowledge, but their roles are different.
A zoologist primarily studies animals scientifically. A veterinarian primarily diagnoses, prevents, and treats animal health problems.
Veterinarians may:
- Examine animals
- Diagnose illnesses
- Perform surgery
- Prescribe treatment
- Administer vaccinations
- Provide preventive care
- Advise animal owners
Zoologists may:
- Monitor wild populations
- Study animal behavior
- Conduct experiments
- Analyze biological data
- Investigate habitats
- Develop conservation plans
- Publish scientific research
Veterinary medicine normally requires a professional veterinary degree and licensing, while zoology careers follow biological-science education and research pathways.
Zoology vs. Ethology
Zoology is the broad scientific study of animals.
Ethology is a specialized branch concerned mainly with animal behavior.
A zoologist might study the anatomy, genetics, physiology, ecology, or development of a species. An ethologist focuses more directly on what an animal does and why that behavior may have developed.
For example:
- A zoologist may study the digestive system of wolves.
- An ethologist may study how wolves communicate or form social groups.
- An ecologist may examine how wolves affect prey populations and ecosystems.
These fields frequently overlap.
How Do Scientists Study Animals?
The study of animals uses a variety of scientific methods. The correct method depends on the research question, species, habitat, available technology, and ethical requirements.
Field Observation
Field observation involves watching animals in natural habitats.
Researchers may record:
- Feeding
- Movement
- Mating
- Communication
- Social interactions
- Nest building
- Hunting
- Migration
- Responses to danger
Field observation allows scientists to examine natural behavior, although weather, landscape, distance, and animal movement can make data collection difficult.
Controlled Experiments
Some animal research takes place under controlled conditions.
Researchers may change one factor while keeping other conditions stable. This can help them test possible causes of behavior or biological change.
Experiments must follow relevant ethical, welfare, and institutional standards.
The Animal Behavior Society notes that behavior research can use both descriptive and experimental methods in field and laboratory settings.
Camera Traps
Camera traps are remotely activated cameras placed in animal habitats.
They can help researchers:
- Detect rare species
- Estimate population size
- Record nocturnal animals
- Identify movement patterns
- Observe behavior with less human disturbance
Images may be analyzed manually or with computer-assisted identification systems.
Animal Tracking
Scientists can track animals with tools such as:
- GPS collars
- Radio transmitters
- Satellite tags
- Leg bands
- Acoustic tags
- Identification photographs
Tracking can reveal migration routes, territory size, seasonal movement, habitat use, and survival.
Zoologists also use geographic information systems and modeling software to estimate populations, follow animal movement, study invasive species, and assess habitat threats.
Biological Sampling
Researchers may collect:
- Hair
- Feathers
- Blood
- Saliva
- Tissue
- Feces
- Eggs
- Environmental DNA
These materials can provide information about genetics, health, diet, stress, reproduction, disease, or population relationships.
Sampling should be conducted using appropriate scientific and animal-welfare procedures.
Laboratory Analysis
Laboratories allow researchers to examine samples using specialized equipment.
Laboratory work may include:
- DNA analysis
- Microscopy
- Disease testing
- Hormone testing
- Tissue examination
- Chemical analysis
- Nutritional analysis
Laboratory findings are often combined with field observations.
Acoustic Monitoring
Many animals communicate through sound.
Researchers may record:
- Bird songs
- Frog calls
- Whale sounds
- Bat echolocation
- Insect communication
- Primate calls
Acoustic monitoring can help identify species, study communication, track seasonal activity, and detect animals that are difficult to see.
Population Surveys
Population studies estimate how many animals live in a particular area.
Methods can include:
- Direct counting
- Tracks and signs
- Capture and release
- Camera records
- Aerial surveys
- Nest counts
- Genetic sampling
- Statistical modeling
Population data can help scientists identify whether a species is stable, increasing, or declining.
Why Is the Study of Animals Important?
Understanding Biodiversity
Animals form an essential part of Earth’s biological diversity.
Studying them helps scientists document species, understand their relationships, and identify organisms that may not yet have been scientifically described.
Protecting Endangered Species
Researchers need reliable information before effective conservation plans can be developed.
They may study:
- Population size
- Breeding success
- Causes of death
- Habitat requirements
- Migration routes
- Genetic diversity
- Human threats
Zoologists and wildlife biologists may design and recommend conservation and wildlife-management programs based on their findings.
Understanding Ecosystems
Animals do not live separately from the rest of nature.
They may act as:
- Predators
- Prey
- Pollinators
- Seed dispersers
- Grazers
- Scavengers
- Ecosystem engineers
A change in one animal population can influence plants, other animals, soil, water, and food webs.
Improving Animal Welfare
Animal-behavior research can help people provide better conditions for animals in:
- Homes
- Farms
- Zoos
- Sanctuaries
- Laboratories
- Rehabilitation centers
Understanding natural behavior can support better housing, feeding, handling, enrichment, and care.
Supporting Agriculture
The study of insects, livestock, wildlife, diseases, and food-web relationships can help reduce crop damage and improve sustainable farming.
Researchers may also examine pollinators, biological pest control, livestock health, and human-wildlife conflict.
Understanding Disease
Animals can experience diseases that affect their own populations, agriculture, or human health.
Scientists may investigate:
- Disease transmission
- Parasites
- Immune responses
- Wildlife reservoirs
- Environmental causes
- Population vulnerability
This research may support veterinary medicine, wildlife management, and public-health planning.
Responding to Environmental Change
Animals may change their movement, reproduction, feeding, or distribution when habitats and climate conditions change.
Monitoring these patterns helps researchers understand environmental pressures and identify species that need protection.
What Does a Zoologist Do?
A zoologist’s duties depend on specialization and employer.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Designing research studies
- Observing animals
- Collecting biological samples
- Analyzing data
- Monitoring populations
- Studying reproduction and movement
- Examining human effects on wildlife
- Using GIS and modeling tools
- Writing reports and research papers
- Presenting findings
- Developing conservation recommendations
Zoologists can work in offices, laboratories, universities, museums, government agencies, conservation organizations, zoos, and natural habitats. Field research may require travel to remote locations and work in difficult weather or terrain.
Skills Needed to Study Animals
Observation Skills
Researchers must notice small changes in appearance, movement, behavior, and environmental conditions.
Scientific Thinking
Animal scientists need to develop questions, test ideas, evaluate evidence, and avoid unsupported conclusions.
Data Analysis
Modern zoology commonly involves statistics, spreadsheets, databases, mapping, and computer models.
Communication
Scientists must explain findings through reports, research papers, presentations, teaching, and public communication.
Patience
Animals may not appear or behave according to a research schedule.
Field researchers may wait for hours or repeat observations across months or years.
Teamwork
Animal studies often involve researchers, technicians, veterinarians, conservationists, local communities, and government agencies.
Outdoor Ability
Some positions require walking through rough terrain, carrying equipment, using boats, working at night, or living temporarily in remote areas.
Attention to detail, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, outdoor ability, and problem-solving are among the qualities identified for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
How to Become a Zoologist
1. Study Biology and Related Subjects
Students interested in zoology should develop a foundation in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Environmental science
- Computer science
- Geography
Strong writing and communication skills are also valuable.
2. Earn a Relevant Degree
Possible university subjects include:
- Zoology
- Wildlife biology
- Biology
- Marine biology
- Ecology
- Conservation biology
- Environmental science
- Animal behavior
In the United States, a bachelor’s degree is commonly the entry-level qualification for zoologist and wildlife-biologist roles. Higher-level positions may require a master’s degree, while independent research leadership commonly requires a doctorate. Requirements vary by country and employer.
3. Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience may be gained through:
- Internships
- Volunteering
- Field courses
- Laboratory work
- Research assistance
- Wildlife surveys
- Museum projects
- Conservation programs
- Zoo placements
The Bureau of Labor Statistics specifically recommends internships, volunteer work, or related employment during college as ways to gain experience.
4. Develop Technical Skills
Useful technical skills may include:
- Statistical analysis
- GIS
- Scientific writing
- DNA techniques
- Microscopy
- Database management
- Camera-trap analysis
- Animal tracking
- Programming
- Remote sensing
5. Choose a Specialization
Students can select a specialization based on their interests.
Examples include:
- Marine mammals
- Birds
- Insects
- Reptiles
- Animal behavior
- Conservation
- Genetics
- Wildlife disease
- Population ecology
Career Options Related to the Study of Animals
A qualification connected with animal biology can support several career paths.
Zoologist
Studies animal biology, behavior, structure, or evolution.
Wildlife Biologist
Studies wild animals, populations, habitats, and ecosystems.
Marine Biologist
Studies organisms living in marine environments.
Animal Behaviorist
Examines how and why animals behave in particular ways.
Conservation Biologist
Develops scientific approaches to protecting species and habitats.
Ecologist
Studies relationships among organisms and their environments.
Research Scientist
Conducts experiments and publishes scientific findings.
Zoo or Aquarium Researcher
Supports animal care, behavior studies, breeding, education, or conservation.
Museum Curator or Researcher
Manages biological collections and conducts taxonomic or evolutionary research.
Environmental Consultant
Assesses how development or industry may affect wildlife and habitats.
Science Teacher or Lecturer
Teaches biology, zoology, ecology, or related subjects.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Supports injured, orphaned, or displaced wild animals, depending on local qualifications and licensing requirements.
Challenges of Studying Animals
Difficult Field Conditions
Researchers may work in heat, cold, rain, forests, deserts, mountains, oceans, or wetlands.
Irregular Schedules
Animal activity may occur at night, early in the morning, or during particular seasons.
Limited Observation
Rare, shy, or nocturnal species can be difficult to locate.
Safety Risks
Wild animals, difficult terrain, disease exposure, weather, and remote locations can create risks.
Ethical Responsibilities
Researchers must balance scientific goals with animal welfare and environmental protection.
Competitive Careers
Research and conservation positions can be competitive. Practical experience, technical ability, networking, and advanced education may improve opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the study of animals called?
The scientific study of animals is called zoology.
2. What is a person who studies animals called?
A person who scientifically studies animals is generally called a zoologist. More specialized titles include ornithologist, mammalogist, entomologist, herpetologist, and ichthyologist.
3. What is the study of animal behavior called?
The scientific study of animal behavior is called ethology. It may include observation and experiments in natural or controlled environments.
4. What is the study of birds called?
The study of birds is called ornithology.
5. What is the study of mammals called?
The study of mammals is called mammalogy.
6. What is the study of insects called?
The study of insects is called entomology.
7. What is the study of fish called?
The study of fish is called ichthyology.
8. What is the study of reptiles and amphibians called?
It is called herpetology.
9. Is zoology the same as veterinary medicine?
No. Zoology mainly studies animals scientifically, while veterinary medicine focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating animal health problems.
10. Is zoology a branch of biology?
Yes. Zoology is the branch of biology concerned with animals and animal life.
11. Do zoologists work only in zoos?
No. They may work in universities, laboratories, government agencies, museums, conservation organizations, consulting companies, or natural habitats.
12. Do zoologists work with wild animals?
Many zoologists and wildlife biologists study wild species and their ecosystems. Others work with animals in captivity, laboratories, museums, or managed conservation programs.
13. What degree is needed to become a zoologist?
A bachelor’s degree is commonly required for entry-level work. Some advanced positions require a master’s degree, and independent research leadership may require a doctorate. Requirements vary by location and employer.
14. Is zoology difficult to study?
Zoology can be challenging because it includes biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, laboratory work, and field research. Students who are curious, observant, and willing to develop scientific skills may find it rewarding.
15. Why is studying animals important?
It helps people understand biodiversity, behavior, ecosystems, disease, animal welfare, environmental change, and the requirements for protecting wildlife.
Conclusion
The study of animals is known as zoology, but it includes many different scientific disciplines.
Zoologists may study animal anatomy, behavior, physiology, reproduction, genetics, evolution, classification, diseases, or relationships with ecosystems. Some specialize in birds, mammals, fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, or marine species.
The field uses methods such as observation, controlled experiments, tracking devices, camera traps, biological sampling, laboratory analysis, acoustic recording, and computer modeling.
Studying animals is essential because animals influence ecosystems, agriculture, disease patterns, food webs, conservation, and human societies. Reliable research helps scientists understand environmental problems and develop strategies for protecting species and habitats.
For students who enjoy biology, wildlife, research, and the natural world, zoology can offer a meaningful educational and professional path. Success requires more than simply loving animals. It also requires scientific curiosity, patience, attention to detail, practical experience, data skills, and responsible treatment of living creatures.
Ultimately, the study of animals helps us understand not only individual species but also the complex natural systems on which both wildlife and human life depend.
