Science Atlas

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Disciplines

Herpetology

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Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles, covering their taxonomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and conservation.

Facts
Central Question
How have amphibians and reptiles, ectothermic lineages that diverged deep in vertebrate history, adapted their physiology and life cycles to environments ranging from open desert to freshwater ponds? 1
Scope
Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles, including their classification, physiology, behavior, ecology and conservation. 1
Significance
Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti coined the term herpetology in his 1768 classification of reptiles and amphibians, Specimen Medicum, giving the field its name and one of the earliest formal taxonomies distinguishing these animals from other classes. 1
Disputed
Founded Year
1913 1
No single founding date is recorded for herpetology as a discipline; 1913 marks the founding of the journal that became Ichthyology & Herpetology, an early institutional marker of the field's professionalization, with the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists following in 1915.
Cross-Tradition Connections

Founded By

Part Of

Sources
1. Herpetology (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead section
Quote, Lead section
is a branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians (including frogs, salamanders, and caecilians (Gymnophiona)) and reptiles (including snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodilians, and tuataras)
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1. Herpetology (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHistory sectionView the Source
Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFounded By: Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti, Lead section
Quote, Founded By: Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti, Lead section
an important book in herpetology
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