Zoology is the science of animals. History of the development of zoology

Zoology - the science of animals, which deals with the study of representatives of the genus (Animalia). This includes all types of organisms that eat food with protein, carbohydrates and fats. Such species differ from plants in that they constantly synthesize organic substances necessary for life from certain sources. Many representatives of the genus of animals are able to move independently. Mushrooms have always been considered plants. However, they noticed that they have the ability to absorb organic substances from external sources. There are also such organisms that synthesize starch from inorganic molecules. However, they do not have the ability to move. In other words, it is not possible to give a general concept and to identify alternative criteria between animals and plants, since they do not exist.

Categorization

In this case, there is a division into many directions, which are differentiated depending on which object is examined and which problems are studied. Zoology is a science that divides into two main directions. Namely, the study of invertebrates and vertebrates. Also in these areas can include such disciplines:

- Protistology. In this case, the study of protozoa is carried out.

- Ichthyology is the study of fish.

- Helminthology - the study of parasitic worms.

- Malacology - research of mollusks.

- Acarology - study of ticks.

- Entomology - study of insects.

- Carcinology - the study of crustaceans.

- Herpetology - study of reptiles and amphibians.

- Ornithology - the study of birds.

- Theriology - study of mammals.

How important is zoology to humanity?

Let us consider this point in more detail. Quite a peculiar history of this science. Zoology of animals has always played an important role in human life. Looking at these individuals, on their behavior, skills, ancient people understood the environment better. After all, mankind had to learn how to hunt for birds and animals, how and where to fish, how to protect yourself from a predator. And all these skills could be learned from animals. Zoology is a science with ancient roots and an interesting rich history.

For the first time in the IV century BC. About this science became known from the books of the great scientist - Aristotle. This is a reliable fact. In his books he described the origin of about 500 species of different animals. Some of them had red blood, and some were without it. Also in the writings of this scientist, the significance of each species of the animal was described, as well as their development and structure. Such a detailed description became a real encyclopedia.

In the Middle Ages this history continued to develop. Zoology moved forward with each passing year. Some important information about animals, which became known even in ancient times, were forgotten. Scientists have focused their attention only on reproduction, hunting and keeping animals. The lost interest again increased only in the Renaissance. At that time, attention was paid to navigation and trade. Due to this, numerous expeditions were conducted, aimed at studying new species of plants and animals, of which there was nothing known before.

Carl Linnaeus also played an important role in the development of zoology. It was he who classified the animal kingdom and gave scientific names for each definition in it.

However, the history of development does not end there. Zoology is greatly improved in the second half of the XIX century. This is after Charles Darwin published a book on "The Origin of Species by Natural Selection." In his work he proved a certain fact. It lies in the fact that the world around us is changing because of natural selection. That is, new individuals are fighting for survival and survival, and only the strongest remain. Due to this basis zoology - the science of animals - began to develop rapidly. These successes will become known in taxonomy. There will be a description of the appearance of new species of animals.

Also, the history of zoology formation will become known in Russia after expeditions to the east and north of Siberia. They were carried out by AF Middendorf, NM Przhevalsky, Semenov-Tian-Shansky. Also, scientific expeditions in Central Asia on embryology II Mechnikov and AO Kovalevsky were carried out, and on the paleontology by VO Kovalevsky, in physiology by IM Sechenov and IP Pavlov.

Zoology today

This may include a set of sciences about the animal world. Here certain directions are taken into account. Namely:

• Zoology of man.
• Paleontology is the study of fossils and the transformation of animals in the process of evolution.
• Physiology - the study of the functions of cells and the organism as a whole.
• The most important link in zoology is ecology. It is devoted to the relationship of representatives of the animal world among themselves and other organisms. She studies their influence on the surrounding world, that is, their relationship to the environment.

As stated earlier, zoology studies birds, mammals and insects. For a simpler perception, this science was divided into special sections. This will be discussed later.

The main sections of zoology

These include:

• Systematics of animals. This is a certain science. She explores animals. Here, they are divided into classes, building a hierarchy. Also this section gives an explanation of how and why there was an animal world, and so on.
• Morphology of animals. This is a science that deals with the study of the structure of the animal's body.
• Ecology of animals. Here, observations of the habitat and the determination of the relationship with animals are conducted.
• Comparative or evolutionary morphology. This is a science that explains the origin of animals of different types. It also allows us to explain the comparative evolution.
• Ethology. Here we study the behavior of animals in the process of evolution.
• Zoogeography. This science observes the habitat, studies the structure of animals existing in various environments.
• Paleozoology . Here, prehistoric animals are studied . This section is similar to the science that studies the evolution of animals.
• Physiology . In this section, the various functions of the animal's organism are studied.

In general, zoology is a science that is directly related to other disciplines and directions. For example, she has a very close relationship with medicine.

Diverse world of animals

It is very large and multifaceted. Animals live everywhere - in fields, steppes and forests, air, seas, oceans, lakes and rivers.

In our world there are such individuals as parasites who have chosen an animal or human organism for their area. Individuals of this type can be seen on plants. For example, these are caterpillars, aphids and mites.

Importance of animals

There are many individuals who benefit not only nature, but also man. For example, these are bees, beetles, flies and butterflies. They pollinate many flowers and plants. Also important in nature and birds. They carry plant seeds for long distances.

There are also animals that damage plants, destroy crops. However, this does not prove that their existence is meaningless. They can be the main link in the food chain of different individuals. This all determines the importance of zoology. Zoology in this direction is an indispensable science.

Domestic and wild animals

For each person it is very important to get proteins and carbohydrates from meat. Previously, there were no shops and supermarkets, this product was obtained through hunting. Then people learned to fish and acquired skills in breeding.

Also, mankind has learned to domesticate wild cattle and use it for their own purposes. His breeding made it possible to obtain products such as meat, milk, eggs, etc. Thanks to animals, people learned how to get wool, down and leather and used it for their own needs.

About 10 thousand years ago a man first domesticated a wild wolf. These were the very first ancestors of the dog. Now these animals are considered the most loyal and devoted friends of people.

But livestock breeding began with the domestication of horses. They were indispensable in the household.

Differences and similarities of animals

All individuals of this species are divided into the type, the structure of respiration, reproduction, development and so on. Animals differ from plants in that they do not have a solid cellulose membrane. They eat already ready organic substances. Characteristic of animals is active movement. As a result, they themselves can look for food.

Conclusion

All of the above indicates the multifaceted nature of this definition. Zoology plays an important role in the life of every being on our planet. This was described above. Everything is interconnected in this world. And zoology is life itself.