Introduction to Zoology

Introduction to Zoology

• Zoology is the study of animals, encompassing their structure, physiology, development, evolution, classification, distribution, behavior, and ecology.
• Animal diversity is vast and encompasses a multitude of species.

Animal Classification

• Animals are categorized into phyla based on shared characteristics.
• Classification criteria include body symmetry, tissue layers, body cavity, segmentation, and appendages.
• Major animal phyla include Porifera (sponges), Cnidaria (jellyfish), Platyhelminthes (flatworms), Annelida (segmented worms), Mollusca (mollusks), Arthropoda (insects, crustaceans), Echinodermata (sea stars), and Chordata (vertebrates).

Animal Structure and Function

• Animals display various structural adaptations, often linked to their lifestyles.
• Adaptations include specialized respiratory (lungs, gills), digestive, and excretory systems, tailored to dietary needs and habitats.
• Animal cells are eukaryotic and form tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Animal Behavior

• Animal behavior encompasses actions and responses to the environment and other organisms.
• Behaviors can be innate (instinctive) or learned.
• Studying animal behavior provides insights into cognition, social interactions, and survival strategies.
• Examples include foraging, mating, communication, and predator-prey relationships.

Animal Ecology

• Animal ecology examines the relationships between animals and their environment.
• This includes interactions with other species, resource availability, and abiotic factors like temperature and rainfall.
• Ecological niches define a species' role within an ecosystem.

Animal Evolution

• Animals evolved from simpler organisms over millions of years.
• Fossils provide insights into evolutionary relationships and patterns.
• Natural selection shapes animal characteristics over generations.
• Phylogenetic trees visualize evolutionary relationships.

Animal Diversity

• Animal diversity encompasses the extensive array of animal species.
• Diversity includes variations in form, function, and behavior.
• Conservation efforts are critical for maintaining animal biodiversity.

Animal Physiology

• Animal physiology investigates how animals function at cellular, organ, and organismal levels.
• Topics include metabolism, respiration, circulation, and reproduction.
• Understanding animal physiology is key for studying animal health, disease, and conservation.
• Physiological adaptations help animals thrive in various environments.