Zoology, the scientific study of animals, is a broad and dynamic field that encompasses a wide range of topics, from the anatomy and physiology of organisms to their behaviors, evolutionary history, and interactions with their environments. It is a fundamental branch of biology, crucial for understanding life on Earth. The word "zoology" comes from the Greek words "zoo," meaning animal, and "logos," meaning study, thus literally translating to the "study of animals." This field not only explores the diversity of animal life but also offers insights into the nature of life itself and the interrelationships among all living organisms.

The scope of zoology is vast, as it covers every aspect of animal life, from the microscopic world of single-celled organisms to the complex behaviors of large mammals. The study of zoology can be broken down into several subfields, such as physiology, behavior, evolution, ecology, and taxonomy, each of which provides valuable information about the functioning of animals in the natural world. For example, physiologists examine how animals' bodily systems—like the nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems—function to maintain life, while evolutionary biologists trace the development of animal species over time. Ecologists focus on how animals interact with their environments, while taxonomists classify and name the vast array of species found on Earth.