Zoology is the study of animals, their structure, function, and way of life.
Zoologists study everything from single-celled protozoa to whales.
As an intellectual discipline zoology is a major constituent of the study of life, and life is the most complex phenomena known. On this planet individuals of over one million recognised species, and perhaps a further 10 - 30 million as yet unrecognised species, are successfully carrying out the processes of life on a daily basis. Countless other species have gone extinct. Life and its processes are the greatest intellectual challenge. At a material level zoology makes a direct contribution to society through its contributions to veterinary science, medicine, dentistry, animal husbandry, aquaculture, fisheries biology, environmental management and conservation.