Presentation on Introduction to Zoology.pptx

"Introduction to Zoology" is a foundational course that introduces students to the fascinating world of animals. It explores the diverse array of animal life on Earth, covering their characteristics, behaviors, evolution, classification, and interactions with their environment.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects typically covered in an introductory zoology course:
1. What is Zoology?
Definition: Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals. It encompasses various aspects of animal life, from their physical structure and function to their behavior, ecology, and evolution.
Scope: Zoology covers a vast range of topics, including:
Animal Diversity: Exploring the incredible variety of animal species, from microscopic invertebrates to giant whales.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the internal structures and functions of animals, including their organs, tissues, and systems.
Animal Behavior: Studying how animals interact with each other and their environment, including communication, social behavior, and foraging strategies.
Animal Ecology: Examining how animals interact with their ecosystems, including their relationships with other organisms and their role in the food web.
Animal Evolution: Tracing the evolutionary history of animals, from their origins to their diversification into the vast array of species we see today.
Animal Classification: Learning how scientists classify animals into different groups based on their shared characteristics.
2. Key Concepts in Introduction to Zoology:
Animal Characteristics: Defining the key features that distinguish animals from other living organisms, such as multicellularity, heterotrophy, and the ability to move.
Levels of Organization: Understanding the hierarchical organization of animal bodies, from cells to tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Evolutionary History: Exploring the major evolutionary transitions in animal evolution, such as the development of bilateral symmetry, segmentation, and specialized tissues.
Classification Systems: Learning about the Linnaean system of classification and how it is used to organize animal diversity.
Ecological Interactions: Understanding how animals interact with each other and their environment, including predator-prey relationships, competition, and symbiosis.
3. Why Study Zoology?
Appreciation for Biodiversity: Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the incredible diversity of animal life on Earth.
Conservation Awareness: Learning about the threats facing animal populations and developing an understanding of the importance of conservation efforts.
Career Opportunities: Zoology provides a foundation for careers in fields such as wildlife biology, conservation, animal research, and veterinary medicine.
4. Examples of Topics Covered:
Invertebrate Zoology: Exploring the diversity of animals without backbones, such as insects, worms, and mollusks.
Vertebrate Zoology: Studying the diversity of animals with backbones.

1. Introduction to Zoology Mr. Rick L. Knowles Zoology Liberty Senior High School

2. What is Zoology Zoology – the study of animals. Kingdom Animalia – animals are multicellular , eukaryotic, lack cell walls and are heterotrophs .

3. 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

4. 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!

5. What does a zoologist do? Biochemist/Lab Technician Wildlife Researcher Marine Biologist Animal Rehabilitation Fisheries Biologist Reproductive Biologist

6. Anything else? Veterinarian Animal Trainer Geneticist That’s Me! Even a TEACHER!

7. 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

8. 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/

9. 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.

10. 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.