Zoologist: meaning, definitions and examples
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zoologist
[ziˈɒlədʒɪst ]
Definition
study of animals
A zoologist is a person who specializes in the branch of biology that focuses on animals, including their behavior, physiology, and classification. Zoologists may work in zoos, wildlife reserves, research labs, or universities.
Synonyms
animal scientist, wildlife biologist.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zoologist |
Repeated entry - please refer to the first entry for 'zoologist'. |
| animal scientist |
An animal scientist focuses on the study of animals for purposes related to agriculture, industry, and medicine. Their work often involves animal breeding, genetics, nutrition, and livestock management.
|
| wildlife biologist |
A wildlife biologist studies wild animals and their habitats, often to conserve species and natural habitats. They might work in national parks, wildlife reserves, or for conservation organizations.
|
Examples of usage
- The zoologist observed the mating behavior of the penguins in Antarctica.
- As a zoologist, she was able to identify the different species of birds in the rainforest.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek 'zōion,' meaning 'animal,' combined with 'logia,' which means 'study of' or 'discourse.'
- 'Zoologist' has been in use since the early 19th century, as the study of living things began to grow more scientific.
- Related terms like 'biology' and 'ecology' also have their roots in Greek and focus on life and the environment.
Historical Contributions
- Early zoologists like Aristotle classified animals based on their habitat and body structure, laying the groundwork for modern classification systems.
- Charles Darwin, known for his theory of evolution, was also a zoologist who studied animal variations in different environments.
- The field of zoology significantly expanded during the 19th century due to expeditions and discoveries of exotic animals by scientists.
Pop Culture
- Zoologists often appear in popular films like 'Jurassic Park,' where scientific exploration of dinosaurs is depicted.
- In children's cartoons and books, zoologists are often portrayed as adventurous characters who rescue animals or explore jungles.
- Television shows about wildlife, such as 'Planet Earth,' often feature insights from zoologists who explain animal behavior and habitats.
Science and Conservation
- Many zoologists work in conservation, helping to protect endangered species and their habitats.
- Zoologists study animal behavior to understand how wildlife adapts to climate change and ecosystem alterations.
- They use various methods, including field studies, laboratory experiments, and data analysis, to gain insights into the animal kingdom.
Careers and Impact
- Zoologists can work in various settings, including zoos, aquariums, research institutions, and universities.
- They contribute to public education by creating exhibits and programs that highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.
- Many zoologists also publish research papers in scientific journals, impacting our understanding of biodiversity and the environment.
Translations
Translations of the word "zoologist" in other languages:
🇵🇹 zoologista
🇮🇳 प्राणिविज्ञानी
🇩🇪 Zoologe
🇮🇩 ahli zoologi
🇺🇦 зоолог
🇵🇱 zoolog
🇯🇵 動物学者 (dōbutsugakusha)
🇫🇷 zoologiste
🇪🇸 zoólogo
🇹🇷 zoolog
🇰🇷 동물학자 (dongmulhakja)
🇸🇦 عالم الحيوان
🇨🇿 zoolog
🇸🇰 zoológ
🇨🇳 动物学家 (dòngwùxuéjiā)
🇸🇮 zoolog
🇮🇸 dýrafræðingur
🇰🇿 зоолог
🇬🇪 ზოოლოგი (zoologi)
🇦🇿 zooloq
🇲🇽 zoólogo