Zoology is a thriving, multidisciplinary science that is central to our understanding of the world. It is the study of animals and their ecology, behavior, structure, physiology, anatomy, embryology, development, origin, distributions, evolution, and relationships with other organisms. The study encompasses the workings of the entire animal kingdom, from viruses to horses, and includes a vast array of disciplines. Zoology doesn’t limit its graduates to a particular discipline but rather its knowledge is central to the total understanding of the world.

1. ZOOLOGY AS A COURSE OF STUDY
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By
M.N.O. Uwamose
Department of Zoology, Delta State University, Abraka.
INTRODUCTION
Zoology is a thriving, multidisciplinary science that is central to our
understanding of the world.
Zoology is the study of animals and their ecology, behavior, structure,
physiology, anatomy, embryology, development, origin, distributions, evolution, and
relationships with other organisms. Zoology encompasses the workings of the entire
animal kingdom, from viruses to horses, and includes a vast array of disciplines.
Zoology doesn’t limit its graduates to a particular discipline but rather its knowledge is
central to the total understanding of the world.
Zoology can be both a basic and applied science. In the basic form, the zoologist
studies living things but may not consider whether the information gained is
immediately useful. Applied zoology applies already known knowledge of animals to
research projects that attempt to better humankind or other animal life. Zoologists
research all aspects of animal life at all levels of organization – ecosystem, community,
and population, whole organism, cellular and molecular.
As Zoologist, we seek to determine the fundamental principles that underpin
animal life, both past and present, from their morphology, function, physiology,
behavior and evolution. Animals studied can include any from the wide diversity of

2. phyla including protozoans, jellyfish, worms, snails, insects, fishes, amphibians,
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reptiles, birds and mammals.
Underpinned by the scientific method, zoology is a fascinating branch of science
that enables us to better understand animals, the environment and ultimately
ourselves.
SPECIALTIES IN ZOOLOGY
Zoology is a diverse course. The knowledge of zoology covers many specialties,
some of which include:
Nematology – study of nematodes
Protozoology – study of one celled animals and its protozoa
Entomology – study of insects
Hydrobiology – study of life in water
Parasitology – study of animal parasites
Embryology – study of development of organism from its beginning
Mammalogy – study of mammals
Ornithology – study of birds
Ichthyology – study of fishes
Herpelogy – study of reptile and amphibilians
Ethology – scientific study of animal behavior
Zoogeography – study of distribution of animals on the surface of the earth.

3. Other fields or areas of specialization in Zoology includes; Animal Ecology,
Animal Systematic, Animal Anatomy, Animal Physiology, Genetics, Invertebrate
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Zoology, Toxicology, Histology, Animal Evolution, etc.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Zoology graduates are prepared for careers in a range of areas including
conservation, natural resource, management, environmental consultancy, forensic
entomology, medical research, fisheries and education. Some zoologists do study
animals in their natural habitats yet the majority of others work in zoos, laboratories
and research stations. Basically, zoologists work in a wide range of fields and specialize
in different types of work and animals. Positions may include field or laboratory
technician, animals’ career, aquarium directors, museum curators, teacher or
researcher in conservation agencies (conservationists) and environmental consultancy
companies, universities or government agencies.
TYPICAL TASKS OF A ZOOLOGIST
Some of the tasks of a zoologist include the following;
 Study animals and their natural habitat and interactions with their environment,
 Organize and implement studies to analyze and monitor ongoing wildlife and
habitat projects,
 Inventory plant and animal communities,
 Carry out environmental impact assessments
 Conduct field research and analyze, interpret and report their findings
 Report findings and make recommendations on management systems and
planning for wildlife populations and habitat

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 Estimate animal and wildlife populations for management programs
 Consult with stakeholders and the public at large to explore animal and wildlife
management options
 Make recommendations regarding the sustainable development of resources
 Recommend operating conditions for industrial activities to negate or minimize
damage to animals or their habitat
 Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of animal diseases
 Prepare informative brochures, books, slide shows, information videos and
computer programs
 Provide information, make presentations and give talks for schools, clubs,
interest groups, etc.
WHERE A ZOOLOGIST WORK?
Zoologists work both indoors conducting experiments in laboratories and
outdoors doing field research. Zoologists may work in research or consulting with
governments, in large environmental companies that conduct environmental
assessments and manage reclamation projects, for large resource-based corporations
such as pulp and paper producers and oil and gas companies. They also work in
museums, zoos, aquariums, hospitals, and as private ecological consultants with
organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, or as inspectors or laboratory
technicians. Zoologists with PhDs can teach at universities and lead students with
research projects.
One of the fastest growing areas of employment for zoologists is as
environmental consultants or ecologists. They offer expert information on the impact of

5. industrial projects on wildlife and their habitat. These zoologists often freelance or work
for companies that contract their services including the government. For example, they
may provide research reports and recommendations regarding chemical and herbicide
manufacture, forest industry activities, or mineral and oil exploration activities.
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