B.
Sc 1st Semester Assignment – Zoology
Topic- History & Scope of Zoology
Introduction
Zoology is the scientific study of animals. Its studies include the structure,
embryology, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living
and extinct, and how they interact with their ecosystems.
Although humans have always been interested in the natural history of the
animals they saw around them, and used this knowledge to domesticate certain
species, the formal study of zoology can be said to have originated with
Aristotle.
He viewed animals as living organisms, studied their structure and
development, and considered their adaptations to their surroundings and the
function of their parts.
Modern zoology has its origins during the Renaissance and early modern
period, with Carl Linnaeus, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Robert Hooke, Charles
Darwin, Gregor Mendel and many others.
The study of animals has largely moved on to deal with form and function,
adaptations, relationships between groups, behaviour and ecology. Zoology has
increasingly been subdivided into disciplines such as classification, physiology,
biochemistry and evolution.
With the discovery of the structure of DNA by Francis Crick and James Watson
in 1953, the realm of molecular biology opened up, leading to advances in cell
biology, developmental biology and molecular genetics.
History
Main articles: History of zoology through 1859 and History of zoology (1859–
present) For a chronological guide, see Timeline of zoology.
Conrad Gessner (1516–1565). His Historiae animalium is considered the
beginning of modern zoology.
The history of zoology traces the study of the animal kingdom from ancient to
modern times. Prehistoric people needed to study the animals and plants in their
environment to exploit them and survive.
Cave paintings, engravings and sculptures in France dating back 15,000 years
show bison, horses, and deer in carefully rendered detail. Similar images from
other parts of the world illustrated mostly the animals hunted for food and the
savage animals.
The Neolithic Revolution, which is characterized by the domestication of
animals, continued throughout Antiquity. Ancient knowledge of wildlife is
illustrated by the realistic depictions of wild and domestic animals in the Near
East, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, including husbandry practices and techniques,
hunting and fishing. The invention of writing is reflected in zoology by the
presence of animals in Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Although the concept of zoology as a single coherent field arose much later, the
zoological sciences emerged from natural history reaching back to the
biological works of Aristotle and Galen in the ancient Greco-Roman world. In
the fourth century BC, Aristotle looked at animals as living organisms, studying
their structure, development and vital phenomena.
He divided them into two groups: animals with blood, equivalent to our concept
of vertebrates, and animals without blood, invertebrates. He spent two years on
Lesbos, observing and describing the animals and plants, considering the
adaptations of different organisms and the function of their parts.
Four hundred years later, Roman physician Galen dissected animals to study
their anatomy and the function of the different parts, because the dissection of
human cadavers was prohibited at the time.
This resulted in some of his conclusions being false, but for many centuries it
was considered heretical to challenge any of his views, so the study of anatomy
stultified.
During the post-classical era, Middle Eastern science and medicine was the
most advanced in the world, integrating concepts from Ancient Greece, Rome,
Mesopotamia and Persia as well as the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurveda,
while making numerous advances and innovations.
In the 13th century, Albertus Magnus produced commentaries and paraphrases
of all Aristotle's works; his books on topics like botany, zoology, and minerals
included information from ancient sources, but also the results of his own
investigations.
His general approach was surprisingly modern, and he wrote, "For it is [the
task] of natural science not simply to accept what we are told but to inquire into
the causes of natural things. "An early pioneer was Conrad Gessner, whose
monumental 4,500-page encyclopedia of animals, Historia animalium, was
published in four volumes between 1551 and 1558.
Scope
Career Opportunities in Zoology
Research Scientist: Zoologists can work in research institutions,
universities, or private organizations, conducting studies on animal
biology, behavior, and ecology. This role often requires advanced
degrees (M.Sc. or Ph.D.).
Wildlife Biologist: These professionals study and manage wildlife
populations, contributing to conservation efforts. They often work in
wildlife reserves, national parks, or environmental organizations.
Zoological Educator: Educators in this field teach the public about
animals, biodiversity, and conservation. They can find employment in
zoos, museums, or educational institutions.
Zoo Curator: Curators manage and care for animals in zoos, design
educational programs, and contribute to conservation initiatives. This
role involves overseeing animal care and public education.
Aquatic Biologist: These specialists study marine and freshwater
ecosystems, working in research institutions or conservation
organizations focused on aquatic life.
Conservation Biologist: They work to protect and preserve
ecosystems and develop strategies for endangered species, often
employed by NGOs or government agencies.
Veterinarian: Veterinarians provide medical care for domestic and
wild animals, working in veterinary practices, animal hospitals, or
wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Importance of Zoology
Biodiversity Conservation: Zoologists play a crucial role in
identifying endangered species and developing strategies to prevent
extinction.
Medical Research: Studies on animals contribute to understanding
diseases, developing vaccines, and testing medical treatments.
Agricultural Impact: Knowledge of animal behavior and ecology aids
in pest management and livestock improvement, contributing to food
security.
Ecological Balance: Understanding animal interactions within
ecosystems is vital for maintaining ecological balance and addressing
challenges like climate change.
