Herpetology

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Ophiology)

Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians (including frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians) and reptiles (including snakes, lizards, amphisbaenids, turtles, terrapins, tortoises, crocodilians, and the tuataras). Herpetology is concerned with poikilothermic, ectothermic tetrapods.

Overview[edit | edit source]

One of the most prestigious organizations, the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, is dedicated to the scientific study of amphibians and reptiles. The Herpetologists' League and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles are also notable organizations in the field of herpetology.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "herpetology" is derived from the Greek: herpeton, meaning "creeping animal" and -logia, meaning "study of". The term was coined by French naturalist Jean Leopold Nicolas Frederic Cuvier, also known as Georges Cuvier.

Branches of Herpetology[edit | edit source]

Herpetology includes several branches such as:

Notable Herpetologists[edit | edit source]

Some notable herpetologists include:

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Herpetology Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD