Introduction to Zoology

ZoologyCarver Senior High School

What is Zoology• Zoology – the

study of animals.

• Kingdom Animalia – animals are multicellular, eukaryotic, lack cell walls and are heterotrophs.

Zoology Disciplines• Comparative Anatomy – the study of

structures and functions of various animal groups.

• Taxonomy – the science of finding, describing, and classifying animals.

• Entomology – the study of insects.• Ichthyology – the study of fish• Herpetology – the study of reptiles and

amphibians.• Ethology – the study of animal behavior.• Malacology – the study of molluscs.• Myrmecology – the study of ants.• Helminthology – the study of worms

Why is zoology so broad of a science?

• There are 1.5 million+ animals (estimates as high as 3 million undescribed).

• Classified into 35 current Phylums• Phylum Arthropoda = 1.2 million+

named species.• Mammals represent only about 5,

000 named species!

What does a zoologist do?

Biochemist/Lab Technician Wildlife

Researcher

Marine Biologist

Animal Rehabilitation Fisheries Biologist

Reproductive Biologist

Anything else?

Veterinarian

Animal Trainer

Geneticist

That’s Me!

Even a TEACHER!

Could I work in a zoo?• Research the Internet, explore opportunities, talk with academic advisors (counselors, teachers, colleges).

• Volunteer at zoos as docents, job shadowship programs, internships.

St. Louis Zoo

• St. Louis Zoo – So You Want to Be a Zookeeper?

• Youth Volunteers and College Internships at Henry

Doorly Zoo – Omaha, NE

Other Zoo-Related Resources• The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, http://www.aza.org/

• The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, http://www.waza.org/

• The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, http://www.aazv.org/

• Association of Zoological Horticulture, http://www.azh.org/

• The Oceanography Society, http://www.tos.org/

• Environmental Career Jobs, http://www.ecojobs.com/

What kind of education do I need?• 2- year programs in Veterinary Tech. Program (

Maple Woods)• 4-year program, earning a B.S. or B.A. in Biology with

an emphasis in specific discipline (anatomy, organismal biology, marine biology, zoology, etc.)

• 4-year program, earning a B.S. in Animal Sciences (animal management, equine or dairy science, animal reproduction, etc.)

• 4-year program, earning a B.S. in Wildlife Biology (conservation, ecology, and management)

• Some schools offer B.S. in Zoology (O.U., O. S.U., N.W.M.S.), while others only offer a concentration in the zoology area (MSU )

• Masters or Ph.D are usually required for management or professional research positions in zoology.

Other Zoology Career Resources

• DegreeDirectory.org – general information about education, salary, etc. in zoology.

• MyPursuit.com – a tentative list of some schools and their degree programs.

Career planning for Zoological Parks

Raptor Rehabilitation Project, College of Veterinary Science, University of Missouri-Columbia

Natural History Museums and Collections Database

Zoology Careers, O. U.