What is Zoology?

I.Definition of Zoology A. 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 Zoology Early 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 Zoology 1874 Zoos “spring up” across the globe. Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest zoo which opened in July.

II. History of Zoology Early 1900s Humans prosper…increased interest in pleasure animals/recreation. Pet industry begins. Many breeds established.

II. History of Zoology Mid-1900s Advances in medicine as a result of studying animals 1. 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 Today New biodiversity on Madagascar ( ) 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 Madagascar Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur – world’s tiniest primate at 3.6 inches in length, discovered in 2000, Madagascar

Biodiversity in Madagascar Calumma tarzan – Chameleon species named by scientists after famous forest dweller; found in 2010.

Biodiversity in Madagascar Cork Bark Leaf-Tailed Gecko – Evaded scientists for a long time with its perfect camouflage

Biodiversity in Madagascar Liophidium pattoni – snake that stands out with its pink, yellow and black pattern. Discovered in 2010

Biodiversity in Madagascar Calumma crypticum – Chameleon that is one of 61 new reptiles discovered in the last 11 years.

Biodiversity in Madagascar Boophis bottae – Frog species found in eastern rainforest belt of Madagascar

Biodiversity in Madagascar Komac’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 Zoology Zoology is a broad field with many subdisciplines Examples include: 1. Entomology o Study of insects 2. Ichthyology o Study of fish 3. Herpetology o Study of reptiles and amphibians 4. Ornithology o Study of birds

IV.Main Themes A. 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 Themes D. SMALL ANIMAL CARE E. The ECOLOGICAL ROLES of animals F. APPRECIATION of animals and their roles in our lives.

V.Introducing the 10 Phyla… 1. Porifera 2. Cnideria (formerly Coelenterata) 3. Ctenophora 4. Platyhelminthes 5. Nematoda 6. Annelida 7. Mollusca 8. Arthropoda 9. Echinodermata 10. Chordata