Branches of Zoology

Forming a considerable portion of life science courses, zoology is the extensive study of animal sciences and when seen alongside botany, it acts as a foundation for biological research as well. Furthermore, with the inclusion of digital technologies and parallel advancements in advanced research techniques, the scope of biology, in general and as a whole, has risen manifold. As a zoologist, one can expect to study the behaviour and life cycles of animals, their evolution and physiology, current demographic changes and assist in conservation efforts, amongst others. This article focuses on the major branches of zoology and what they entail as career fields.

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Some Branches of Zoology

Here are the main branches of Zoology: 

• Biogeography
• Classification
• Developmental Biology
• Ethology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology
• Structural Zoology
• Vertebrate and Invertebrate Zoology

Sub-Branches of Zoology

Branches of Zoology	Definition
Anatomy	Study of internal structure of animals
Anthrozoology	Study of past, present and future interactions between animals and human beings
Archaeozoology or Zooarchaeology	Study of dead animals
Arachnology	Branch of biology that deals with the study of spiders, scorpionsor other arachnids
Bionics	Study of mechanical systems like living organisms and parts of living organisms
Carnicology	Study of Crustaceans
Cetology	Study of marine mammals [Dolphins, Whales, Porpoises, etc]
Cytology	Study of cell structure and its functions
Ecology	Relationship between the organisms and their surrounding environments
Embryology	Study of egg fertilisation, embryos and fetuses
Entomology	Study of insects
Ethology	Study of the behaviour of animals to interpret their effects on evolution
Evolution Environments	Study of origin of animals and their adaptation
Genetics	Study of heredity and variations
Geology	Study of earth and life as shown by fossils in rocks
Herpetology	Study of reptiles and amphibians
Histology	Study of anatomy of cells and tissues of animals
Ichthyology	Study of Fishes
Mammalogy [Also called Mastology]	Study of Mammals
Malacology	Study of animal forms with shells [Snails, Octopus, Slugs, etc]
Morphology	Study of form and specific structures of animal organisms
Nematology	Division of zoology that studies roundworms
Neonatology	Study of newborn animals till the age of two months
Ornithology	This branch of zoology concerns the study of birds.
Paleontology	Study of fossils and extinct animals
Pathology	Study of bodily fluids in laboratory like blood, urine, tissues, etc to diagnose diseases
Primatology	Study of primates [apes, gorillas, monkeys, prosimians, etc]
Protozoology	Study of protozoa or the unicellular organisms
Taxonomy	This field studies, groups and formulates nomenclaturerules of animals on the basis of common characteristics.
Zoography (Descriptive Zoology)	Study of animals and their respective habitats
Zoogeography	Study of geographical distribution of animal species
Zoometry	Study of measurement including size and length of animal parts
Zootomy	Study of animal anatomy

Understanding the Origins of Zoology

Concerned with the study of the animal kingdom, Zoology focuses on the interaction of animal kingdom with their ecosystems as well as animal biology. It encompasses a detailed study of different species coming under the animal kingdom. The early origins of Zoology trace back to the ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle who actually classified the living things broadly in the 4th century BC. He is often considered as the father of Zoology as he classified the living things into animals and plants and it was only later that words like zoology, botany, etc. originated. Further, Charles Darwin brought forward his theory of evolution by natural selection.

The branches of zoology are spread across the comparative anatomy of animals, plants, and other living things. Though the study of animal sciences is quite ancient, the actual areas of zoology investigations were developed from the comparative anatomical study on morphographs which was carried out by Hunter and Cuvier.

Branches of Zoology: Major Universities

While it is no surprise that Ivy League Colleges and royal UK universities feature amongst the highly revered institutions offering degree programs across the different branches of zoology and life sciences in general, there are scores of emerging universities worldwide which are consistently being recognised for their academically as well as professionally oriented courses. Glance over the following table to have a view of the Zoology courses you can consider.

Name of University	Location	THE World University Rankings 2020	Courses Offered in Branches of Zoology
University of Edinburgh	UK	30th	1. Bachelor of Science Hons Agricultural Science [Animal Science] 2. MSc Animal Biosciences 3. BSc Hons Biological Sciences [Biology]
The University of Melbourne	Australia	32nd	1. BSc [Major in Animal Science & Management] 2. BSc Major in Zoology 3. Graduate Diploma in Science [Advanced] – Zoology
The University of British Columbia	Canada	34th	BSc in Zoology MSc in Zoology PhD in Applied Animal Biology PhD in Zoology
McGill University	Canada	42nd	PhD in Animal Science: Bioinformatics PhD in Animal Science
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign	USA	48th	BSc in Animal Science MSc in Animal Science PhD in Animal Sciences

Top 10 Collges in India for Zoology

There are plenty of colleges and universities in India offering Zoology at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Here are the top colleges in India for Zoology:

St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai	https://xaviers.edu/main/
Christ University, Banglore	https://www.christuniversity.in/
The Oxford College of Science, Banglore	https://www.theoxford.edu
Stella Maris College, Chennai	https://www.stellamariscollege.org
Hansraj College, New Delhi	https://www.hansrajcollege.co.in
Presidency College, New Delhi	https://www.presidencychennai.com
Miranda House, New Delhi	https://www.mirandahouse.ac.in
Hindu College, New Delhi	https://www.hinducollege.org
St. Albert’s College, Kerala	https://alberts.ac.in/
St. Xavier’s College, Kerala	https://www.sxccal.edu/

Offered Courses in Zoology

The zoological or animal kingdom is further classified into taxonomic classes, namely, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, invertebrates and mammals. Though exceptions exist, this is more of a large overview. Moreover, it also includes the study of extinct animals and skeletal studies and many zoological experts work with archaeologists and geologists and even anthropologists. If you are in search of the course offerings pertaining to the variegated branches of Zoology, take a look at the following list.

• BSc Biology
• BSc Animal Sciences
• BSc Bioinformatics
• BSc Biotechnology
• BSc Zoology
• BSc Botany
• BSc Genetics

Branches of Zoology for MSc

• MSc Zoology
• MSc Microbiology
• MSc Bioinformatics
• MSc Botany
• MSc Biotechnology
• MSc Biochemistry
• PhD Animal Sciences

Branches of Zoology Syllabus

Wondering what are the subject you will study in Zoology? Zoology is a study of earth, animals, their origin and behavior, and even about life underwater such as fishes, dolphins, etc. Here are the core types of Zoology:

• Morphology
• Genomics
• Ecology
• Biology of Parasitism
• Animal Behaviour
• Genetics and Evolution
• Chronobiology
• Structure and Function of Genes
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Animal Physiology and Ethology
• Biosystematics, Structure, and Functions of Invertebrates
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology

Branches of Zoology Books

These books are easily available online and at local markets. Learn all about the branches of Zoology, Here are some of the best books available online and in local markets :

Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Textbook by Victoria Aspinall	Buy Here
Zoology by Stephen A. Miller and John P. Harley	Buy Here
The Natural History of Selborne, by Gilbert White	Buy Here
Watership Down, by Richard Adams	Buy Here
Vertebrates zoology by R.L Kotpal	Buy Here

Career and Scope

A career in zoology is not just an episode of Man vs. Wild. There are plenty of other options to explore. Students can work in the public or private sector in India and abroad as well. Top recruiters in India are the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Forest Department of State. Here are the top job profiles and salary structure:

Job Profiles	Salary in INR per annum
Conservationist	₹468715
Wildlife Rehabilitator	₹657937
Veterinarian	₹571965
Zoology faculty	₹1248849
Marine Biologist	₹900000

Know About the Best Zoologist in the World

Branches of Zoology PPT

Introduction & branches of zoology from Rajkishore Puhan

FAQs

To pursue any of the above-mentioned courses across branches of Zoology, a meticulously curated application with a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) along with other necessary components can provide you with good standing to compete with other candidates. Reach out for quality guidance from experts and mentors at Leverage Edu with a free 30-minute career counseling session and gear yourself up for a fulfilling educational journey in the field of your choice.