Different Branches of Zoology – Detailed Guide
Particular Branches of Zoology – Detailed Guide
Zoology is a vast branch of biology that deals with the study of animals, their structure, physiology, evolution, and interactions with the environment. Within zoology, there are numerous specialized sub-disciplines, each focusing on a particular group of animals or a specific aspect of their biology. Below is a comprehensive list of various branches of zoology along with their descriptions.
1. Acarology
The study of mites and ticks, including their classification, life cycle, and role as pests or disease vectors.
2. Aerobiology
The study of airborne particles, including pollen, spores, and microorganisms, as well as flying animals and their ecology.
3. Agriology
The study of the customs and lifestyles of primitive man, often integrating anthropology and archaeology.
4. Allometry
The study of the relationship between the size, shape, and growth rate of one part of an organism compared to another part.
5. Anaesthesiology
The medical science of inducing insensibility to pain, especially during surgical procedures, through the use of anesthetics.
6. Andrology
The branch of medicine that deals with male reproductive health and disorders, opposite of gynecology.
7. Angiology
The study of blood vessels and the circulatory system in animals, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.
8. Animal Husbandry
The science of breeding, rearing, and managing domestic animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, and goats for food, work, and other purposes.
9. Anthropology
The comprehensive study of human beings, covering physical traits, cultural development, and social behavior in both past and present contexts.
10. Archaeology
The scientific study of past human life and activities through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and remains.
11. Autecology
The study of individual organisms or species in relation to their environment, focusing on ecological adaptations.
12. Aphidology
The study of aphids (plant lice), their biology, and their role as agricultural pests.
13. Apiculture
The practice and science of beekeeping for the production of honey, wax, and other bee-related products.
14. Araneology
The study of spiders, including their classification, behavior, and ecological importance.
15. Arthrology (Syndesmology)
The study of joints and ligaments in animals, essential for understanding movement and locomotion.
16. Aquaculture
The farming of aquatic plants and animals such as fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and mollusks for food and commercial purposes.
17. Biomedical Engineering
The design and development of artificial body parts and medical devices like pacemakers, prosthetic limbs, and artificial kidneys to improve health and life quality.
18. Biometeorology
The study of how atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pressure affect living organisms.
19. Cardiology
The branch of medicine concerned with the heart, including its structure, function, and related diseases.
20. Carcinomatology
The study of cancer, its causes, development, and treatment strategies.
21. Cetology
The study of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, focusing on their biology, behavior, and conservation.
22. Chondriology
The study of cartilage in animals, including its structure, function, and disorders.
23. Craniology
The study of skulls, their structure, variations, and evolutionary significance.
24. Chorology
The study of the geographic distribution of organisms, also known as biogeography.
25. Cnidology
The study of coelenterates (cnidarians) such as jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones.
26. Conchology
The branch of zoology focused on the study of mollusk shells and their classification.
27. Chirology
The study and use of hand gestures as a form of communication, historically used by certain tribes and communities.
28. Chronobiology
The study of biological rhythms and cycles, such as sleep patterns and seasonal behaviors.
29. Cosmology
The scientific study of the universe, its origin, structure, and laws governing it.
30. Cosmogony
The study of the origin and development of the universe, often overlapping with astronomy and physics.
31. Carcinology
The study of crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
32. Cryobiology
The study of the effects of freezing and low temperatures on living organisms, used in preservation techniques.
33. Cryogenics
The study of extremely low temperatures and their effects on animal bodies and biological processes.
34. Ctelology
The study of acquired characteristics in plants and animals and their inheritance.
35. Cybernetics
The science of communication and control systems in animals, machines, and organizations.
36. Carcinomatology
The specialized branch focusing on cancers and tumors, their diagnosis, and treatments.
37. Dactyology
Dactyology is the system of manual signs—communication using fingers and hand shapes—commonly used by the deaf community as part of sign language and gestures.
38. Dermatology
Dermatology studies the skin, its structure, functions and diseases. It covers diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions from infections to chronic disorders and skin cancers.
39. Demography
Demography analyzes human populations, focusing on size, density, distribution, birth and death rates, migration and other vital statistics that influence planning and policy.
40. Desmology
Desmology is the study of ligaments—the fibrous tissues that connect bones and stabilize joints—important for understanding biomechanics and orthopedic conditions.
41. Dentistry
Dentistry focuses on the teeth, gums and oral structures: prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and periodontal diseases as well as restorative care.
42. Dietetics / Sitology
Dietetics (sitology) concerns nutrition science and diet planning to promote health and manage disease, including therapeutic diets and public nutrition programs.
43. Dairy Science
Dairy science covers the breeding and management of milk-producing animals, milk collection and preservation, and processing of dairy products like butter, cheese and yogurt.
44. Dysteleology
Dysteleology studies vestigial or functionless organs that appear during evolution, exploring their origins and evolutionary significance.
45. Dysgenics
Dysgenics examines factors that may negatively affect the genetic quality of populations, including health, environment and societal influences.
46. Dactylography
Dactylography is the science of fingerprint analysis used in personal identification and forensic investigations.
47. Entomology
Entomology is the study of insects—their classification, physiology, ecology and impact on agriculture, disease transmission and ecosystems.
48. Epidemiology
Epidemiology investigates patterns and causes of disease in populations, methods of disease control and the design of public-health interventions. John Snow is often credited as a pioneering figure.
49. Ethnology
Ethnology compares human cultures and races, studying cultural origins, social practices and the relationships between different human groups.
50. Enology
Enology (oenology) is the science and technology of wine-making, covering grape growing, fermentation, aging and quality control.
51. Etiology (Aetiology)
Etiology studies the causes of diseases, including the life cycles and biology of causal organisms and the mechanisms by which they produce illness.
52. Eugenics
Historically, eugenics refers to the application of genetic principles to “improve” future human populations; it is a controversial area that raised ethical concerns and is largely discredited in modern science.
53. Euthenics
Euthenics focuses on improving human well-being through environmental and social measures—better nutrition, education and living conditions—rather than direct genetic intervention.
54. Euphenics (Genetic Engineering)
Euphenics involves altering or mitigating the effects of genetic disorders through biological and genetic techniques; it overlaps with modern genetic engineering and therapeutic approaches.
55. Economic Zoology
Economic zoology studies animals that are useful or harmful to humans, including livestock, pollinators, pest species and organisms used in industry.
56. Ethology
Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior under natural conditions, examining instinct, learning, communication and social interactions. Konrad Lorenz is a key figure in the field.
57. Endocrinology
Endocrinology examines endocrine glands and hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction and homeostasis. Historical figures such as Thomas Addison contributed early insights.
58. Ethnography
Ethnography documents and analyses the distribution, customs and life ways of human populations, usually through immersive field study and cultural description.
59. Fishery
Fishery refers to the capture, collection and management of aquatic animals (fish, crustaceans, mollusks) for food and commerce; it overlaps with aquaculture and resource management.
60. Forensic Science
Forensic science applies biological, chemical and physical methods—like fingerprinting, blood typing and DNA analysis—to legal investigations and criminal cases.
61. Geology
Geology studies the Earth, its structure and the fossil record preserved in rocks; paleontological data from geology informs understanding of past life and environments.
62. Genealogy
Genealogy researches family pedigrees and ancestral lineages, tracing relationships and inheritance across generations.
63. Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is the deliberate modification of an organism’s genes using biotechnology. Pioneers such as Paul Berg advanced the molecular tools that enabled this field.
64. Gene Therapy
Gene therapy involves correcting or replacing defective genes to treat genetic disorders—an evolving field with clinical and research applications; notable early contributors include figures like Anderson.
65. Gynaecology
Gynaecology studies female reproductive organs, clinical care, disease prevention and obstetric health related to women’s reproductive systems.
66. Gerontology
Gerontology is the scientific study of aging, covering biological, psychological and social aspects of older adults; researchers like Korenchevsky contributed to early gerontological knowledge.
67. Haematology
Haematology is the study of blood, blood-forming organs and related disorders such as anemia, clotting disorders and leukemia.
69. Hepatology
Hepatology focuses on the liver—its function, diseases (for example hepatitis and cirrhosis) and clinical management.
68. Helminthology
Helminthology studies parasitic worms (nematodes, cestodes and trematodes), their life cycles, pathology and control measures in humans, livestock and crops.
70. Herpetology
Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, including their taxonomy, ecology, physiology and conservation.
71. Hypnology
Hypnology examines sleep—its stages, physiology and disorders—contributing to sleep medicine and neuroscience.
72. Hygiene
Hygiene involves practices and measures that preserve health and prevent disease, including personal, public and environmental hygiene.
73. Ichthyology
Ichthyology is the study of fishes: their classification, anatomy, ecology and role in ecosystems and fisheries.
74. Ichnology
Ichnology studies trace fossils such as footprints and burrows, providing insights into the behavior and movement of ancient organisms.
75. Kalology
Kalology is concerned with the study of human beauty and aesthetic features, encompassing physical traits and cultural perceptions of attractiveness.
76. Karyology
Karyology studies the cell nucleus and chromosomes, including chromosomal structure, behavior and their role in heredity and disease.
77. Ikebana
Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement emphasizing harmony, balance and seasonal expression in floral design.
78. Kinesiology
Kinesiology examines the mechanics of body movement and musculoskeletal function, informing sports science, rehabilitation and ergonomics.
79. Laryngology
Laryngology studies the larynx (voice box), its disorders and treatments, including voice, swallowing and airway conditions.
80. Lepidopterology
Lepidopterology studies butterflies and moths—their life cycles, ecology and roles as pollinators and indicators of environmental health.
81. Leprology
Leprology investigates leprosy (Hansen’s disease), its causative agent, transmission, clinical features and control strategies.
82. Livestock
Livestock science focuses on rearing domestic animals for food, fiber and labor, covering breeding, nutrition, health and management practices.
83. Malacology
Malacology is the study of mollusks (snails, clams, squids), their taxonomy, anatomy and economic/ecological significance.
84. Malariology
Malariology studies malaria, its parasite (Plasmodium), mosquito vectors, disease epidemiology and control measures.
85. Mastology
Mastology concerns the study of the breast (mammary glands), covering anatomy, physiology and diseases such as mastitis and breast cancer.
86. Mammalogy
Mammalogy studies mammals—their evolution, behavior, physiology and conservation. It includes both field and laboratory research.
87. Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease, using drugs, surgery and other therapeutic interventions.
88. Melanology
Melanology investigates skin pigments such as melanin, including pigment disorders and their physiological and pathological implications.
89. Myology (Sarcology)
Myology (or sarcology) studies muscles—their structure, function, development and disorders affecting movement and strength.
90. Myrmecology
Myrmecology is the study of ants: social structure, behavior, ecology and their interactions with ecosystems and humans.
91. Natural History
Natural history documents the habits and habitats of animals in their natural environments, combining observation with descriptive biology.
92. Nematology
Nematology studies roundworms (nematodes), their biology, agricultural impact and roles as parasites of plants and animals.
93. Nephrology
Nephrology focuses on kidney structure and function, kidney disease diagnosis and treatment, and renal replacement therapies.
94. Nursing
Nursing provides compassionate care for ill and injured people, integrating clinical skills, patient advocacy and health education.
95. Neurology
Neurology studies the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
96. Neontology
Neontology is the study of organisms of recent origin (living or recent fossil species) as opposed to paleontology which studies ancient life.
97. Neonatology
Neonatology focuses on the medical care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature, during the first weeks to months of life.
98. Nidology
Nidology studies birds’ nests—their construction, materials and role in reproductive success and species-specific behaviors.
99. Nutrition
Nutrition studies how organisms obtain and use food for growth, maintenance and health, covering macronutrients, micronutrients and dietary requirements.
100. Obstetrics
Obstetrics deals with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care, ensuring the health of mother and baby before, during and after delivery.
101. Odontology
Odontology is the study of teeth and gums, including dental anatomy, pathology and forensic applications such as identification.
102. Osphresiology / Oneirology
Osphresiology studies the sense of smell; oneirology studies dreams—their nature, neural basis and psychological significance.
103. Ontogeny
Ontogeny traces the development of an organism from fertilization through maturity, describing morphological and functional change over time.
104. Oncology (Carcinomalogy)
Oncology studies cancers and tumors: causes, progression, diagnosis and therapeutic approaches including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
105. Oology
Oology is the study of birds’ eggs—their structure, coloration, incubation and evolutionary significance.
106. Ophiology
Ophiology studies snakes: their taxonomy, venom, behavior and ecological roles.
107. Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology deals with the eye, vision disorders and surgical and medical treatments to preserve or restore sight.
108. Ornithology
Ornithology is the scientific study of birds—their behavior, ecology, migration and conservation. Dr. Salim Ali is a notable Indian ornithologist.
109. Odonatology
Odonatology studies dragonflies and damselflies—their life cycles, predatory roles and value as indicators of freshwater ecosystem health.
110. Osteology
Osteology is the study of bones and the skeletal system, important in anatomy, forensics and paleontology.
111. Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal disorders of bones, joints and muscles through medical and surgical methods.
112. Otology
Otology studies the ear and hearing, including disorders of balance and auditory function and their clinical management.
113. Orthotics
Orthotics concerns the design, fitting and production of orthoses—external devices that support or correct musculoskeletal deformities and improve function.
114. Otolaryngology
The medical specialty that studies the ear and larynx, focusing on disorders of hearing, balance, voice and related structures.
115. Otorhinolaryngology
Often shortened to ENT, this field covers the ear, nose and throat and associated head and neck conditions, including both medical and surgical care.
116. Organocology
The study of organ development during the embryonic period, addressing morphogenesis and factors that influence organ formation.
117. Occupational Therapy
A rehabilitation discipline that trains and enables physically or mentally disabled people to perform daily activities and regain independence.
118. Prosthesis
The art and science of designing and fitting artificial replacements for missing body parts, such as limbs or dental prostheses.
119. Paediatrics
The branch of medicine devoted to the health, development and diseases of infants, children and adolescents.
120. Parazoology
The study of sponges and related simple aquatic animals, covering their biology, ecology and evolutionary significance.
121. Pathology
The study of disease causes, mechanisms, structural changes and the effects these have on tissues and organs.
122. Pisciculture
The breeding, rearing and management of fish in controlled environments for food production and conservation.
123. Protistology
The study of protists—diverse single-celled eukaryotic organisms—covering their taxonomy, ecology and roles in ecosystems.
124. Phenology
The study of seasonal and periodic biological events (e.g., flowering, migration, leaf fall) and their relationship to climate.
125. Physiotherapy
Treatment of disease, physical weakness and injury using physical methods such as exercise, massage and therapeutic movement.
126. Piggery
The agricultural practice of raising pigs for meat production, covering breeding, nutrition and husbandry techniques.
127. Phrenology
A historical discipline that attempted to link skull shape with personality traits; now regarded as outdated and unscientific.
128. Phylogeny
The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among species or groups of organisms, often represented as phylogenetic trees.
129. Proctology
The medical specialty concerned with disorders of the rectum, anus and lower colon, including diagnosis and surgical treatment.
130. Protozoology
The study of protozoa—single-celled, eukaryotic organisms—many of which are important in ecology and disease.
131. Poultry
The science and industry of rearing domestic birds (chickens, ducks, geese) for eggs and meat, including health and production practices.
132. Psychiatry
The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.
133. Psychology
The scientific study of behavior and mental processes in humans and animals, encompassing cognitive, social and developmental perspectives.
134. Parasitology
The study of parasites, their life cycles, host interactions and the diseases they cause in humans and animals.
135. Radiotherapy
Treatment of disease—particularly cancer—by using ionizing radiation to destroy or control malignant cells.
136. Radiology
The medical discipline that uses imaging technologies (X-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound) to diagnose and sometimes treat disease.
137. Rhinology
The study of the nose and olfactory system, including nasal diseases, smell disorders and related surgical procedures.
138. Saurology
The branch of herpetology focused on lizards: their biology, ecology and classification.
139. Sarcology
The study of muscles—their structure, function, development and disorders affecting movement and strength.
140. Serology
The study of blood serum and immune responses, particularly antigen–antibody reactions used in diagnosis and research.
141. Serpentology (Ophiology)
The zoological study of snakes, their behavior, venom, physiology and role in ecosystems.
142. Sericulture
The science of rearing silkworms for silk production, including host plant cultivation and silk processing.
143. Seismology
The geophysical study of earthquakes, seismic waves and Earth’s internal structure (included here due to its relevance in earth–life studies).
144. Sonography
An imaging technique using ultrasound waves to visualize internal organs and tissues for diagnostic purposes.
145. Sonology
The scientific study of hearing and sound perception, including auditory physiology and acoustic diagnostics.
146. Speciology
The study of species—how they are defined, distinguished and conserved; often overlaps with taxonomy and conservation biology.
147. Speleology (Spelacology)
The study of caves and their biological communities, geology and environmental conditions.
148. Splanchnology
The study of visceral organs (heart, lungs, digestive organs), their anatomy, physiology and pathology.
149. Sphygmology
The study of the arterial pulse and blood pressure as indicators of cardiovascular health.
150. Syndesmology
The study of joints and ligaments, closely related to arthrology and important in orthopedics and veterinary science.
151. Synecology
The study of ecological communities and interactions among species within ecosystems (community ecology).
152. Surgery
The branch of medicine that treats injuries, deformities and diseases by operative procedures and surgical care.
153. Stomatology
The study of the mouth and foregut (oral cavity and upper digestive tract), its diseases and clinical management.
154. Tectology
The study of structural organization and functional anatomy of organisms; historically used to describe organizational biology.
155. Tectonics
The study of Earth’s crust, its structure and movement; relevant to biological distribution through geological history and habitat formation.
156. Taxidermatology
The technique and science of preparing and preserving animal skins for display in museums, teaching and research collections.
157. Teleology
The interpretive approach that explains biological structures in terms of purpose or design; largely philosophical rather than experimental.
158. Teratology
The study of congenital malformations and abnormal development in embryos caused by genetic or environmental teratogens.
159. Termitology
The scientific study of termites—their social structure, ecology and impact on ecosystems and human structures.
160. Thanatology
The study of death and dying, including cultural, medical and psychological aspects of mortality and bereavement.
161. Torpedology
The study of skates and rays (cartilaginous fishes), their biology, anatomy and ecological roles.
162. Toxicology
The science of poisons and toxic effects of chemicals and drugs on living organisms, including mechanisms and treatments.
163. Therapeutics
The branch of medicine concerned with treatment methods to cure or manage diseases, integrating pharmacology, surgery and therapy.
164. Traumatology
The study and treatment of wounds and injuries, including emergency care and surgical repair.
165. Trichology
The study of hair—its growth, structure, disorders and care, spanning clinical and cosmetic concerns.
166. Trophology
The study of food and nutrition, focusing on how dietary components affect growth, health and metabolism.
167. Torentology
The study of diseases affecting embryos during development, with emphasis on causes and prevention of embryopathy.
168. Taphonomy
The study of post-mortem processes and conditions that affect how organisms become fossilized and preserved in the geological record.
169. Urology
The medical specialty dealing with urinary tract disorders and the male reproductive system, including diagnosis and surgical treatment.
170. Urobiology
The science of preserving biological specimens in liquid chemicals (specimen preservation) and related collection techniques.
171. Venereology
The study of venereal and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
172. Veterinary Science
The branch of medicine that addresses the health, disease prevention and treatment of domestic and wild animals; the blue cross (+) is a common veterinary symbol.
173. Zoophytology
The study of drifting microscopic organisms (zooplankton) such as diatoms, and their roles in aquatic food webs.
174. Zootechny
The science of breeding, domestication and management of animals to improve productivity and welfare in agriculture.
175. Zymology
The study of fermentation processes (zymoses) and their applications in food, beverage and biotechnology industries.
176. Zoogeny
The study of the origin and developmental history of animals, encompassing evolutionary and developmental biology.
177. Zoogeography
The study of the geographic distribution of animals across the Earth and the historical and ecological factors that shape these patterns.
178. Zoopathology
The study of animal diseases, their causes, pathology and methods of control and prevention.
179. Zoonosology
The study of handicapped or disabled animals and related care, rehabilitation and welfare issues (terminology varies by context).
180. Zootomy
The dissection and anatomical study of animals, providing fundamental knowledge of internal structure and comparative anatomy.
181. Zoonomy
The study of animal physiology—the functions and mechanisms operating within animal bodies, from cells to organ systems.
These branches of zoology provide specialized knowledge that helps scientists, researchers, and students understand the complexities of animal life and its relationship with the environment. Whether it’s studying microscopic mites, conserving whales, or developing medical technologies, each branch plays a vital role in scientific progress.
Hi, I’m Hamid Ali, an MSc in Biotechnology and a passionate Lecturer of Biology with over 11 years of teaching experience. I have dedicated my career to making complex biological concepts accessible and engaging for students and readers alike.
Beyond the classroom, I’m an avid blogger, sharing insights, educational resources, and my love for science to inspire lifelong learning. When I’m not teaching or writing, I enjoy exploring new advancements in biotechnology and contributing to meaningful discussions in the scientific community.
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