What does zoology mean?
Zoology is the branch of biology devoted to the scientific study of animals. It examines subjects such as animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, evolution, distribution, and interactions with other organisms and the environment. The word is commonly encountered in academic and professional contexts, as in a university zoology department, a zoology course, or a research career in zoology. It is a broad field: zoologists may specialize in areas such as marine biology, entomology, primatology, or animal evolution. Although zoology overlaps closely with other biological disciplines, its defining focus is animals rather than living organisms in general. The word is also etymologically transparent, combining the Greek zōon, meaning “animal,” with -logy, meaning “study.” As a result, zoology can encompass everything from the smallest invertebrates to large vertebrates and is useful for understanding the biological diversity and complexity of animal life.
nounThe scientific study of animals, including their structure, physiology, behavior, evolution, distribution, and relationships with other organisms.
- The branch of biology concerned with animals and animal life, including their anatomy, physiology, behavior, evolution, distribution, and relationships with the environment.
"The museum's zoology department researches the behavior and conservation of native wildlife."
"She studied zoology at university before specializing in marine mammals."
"The lecture in zoology examined how insects navigate unfamiliar terrain."
"A career in zoology can combine laboratory research with fieldwork."
Rare; zoology is normally uncountable in ordinary academic usage.
"The seminar compared zoologies from several regions."
Zoology literally means “the study of animals”: Greek zōon means “animal,” and -logy means “study.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zoology come from?
Zoology entered English in the early 17th century through New Latin zoologia, a term formed from Greek zōon, meaning “animal,” and -logia, meaning “study of.” Its development reflects the growth of natural science and the increasing use of specialized academic disciplines. Related words such as zoogeography, zoopathology, and zoomorphic share the same Greek animal root.
Related word forms
How zoology is actually used
Zoology is a formal academic term. It usually refers to the discipline as a whole, while zoologist names a person who practices or researches it. The term is used in both British and American English, with no important regional restriction.
Easily confused with zoology
Zoology is the scientific discipline, whereas a zoologist is a scientist who specializes in it.