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