Animal biology, also known as zoology, is the scientific study of animals, encompassing their structure, function, behavior, evolution, classification, and distribution. This field explores the diversity of animal life, from microscopic organisms to complex multicellular species, and investigates how animals interact with their environments and other organisms.

Key Areas of Study in Animal Biology:

1. Anatomy and Physiology:

   • Examines the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of animal bodies, including organs, tissues, and systems (e.g., nervous, circulatory, digestive, and reproductive systems).

2. Behavior and Ethology:

   • Studies animal behavior, including communication, mating rituals, social structures, and survival strategies.

3. Evolution and Phylogeny:

   • Investigates the evolutionary history of animals, their genetic relationships, and how species adapt to changing environments over time.

4. Ecology:

   • Focuses on the interactions between animals and their ecosystems, including predator-prey relationships, symbiosis, and the role of animals in nutrient cycling.

5. Genetics and Molecular Biology:

   • Explores the genetic basis of animal traits, inheritance patterns, and molecular mechanisms underlying cellular processes.

6. Taxonomy and Classification:

   • Involves identifying, naming, and categorizing animals into hierarchical groups (e.g., species, genus, family) based on shared characteristics.

7. Developmental Biology:

   • Studies the processes by which animals grow and develop from fertilization to adulthood, including embryology and metamorphosis.

8. Conservation Biology:

   • Addresses the preservation of endangered species, habitat restoration, and the impact of human activities on animal populations.

9. Comparative Biology:

   • Compares different animal species to understand similarities and differences in their biology, often providing insights into evolutionary relationships.