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Discipline

Herpetology

Life Sciences

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.
Connections

Founded By

Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti, Scientists
Source Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti (Wikipedia)

Has Scientist

Edward Drinker Cope, Scientists
Source Edward Drinker Cope (Wikipedia)
Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti, Scientists
Source Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Herpetology (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • 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)
  • Naming and etymology section
    There are over 6700 species of amphibians and over 9000 species of reptiles.
  • In Group: Biology and Natural History, Lead
    is a branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians (including frogs, salamanders, and caecilians (Gymnophiona)) and reptiles (including snakes, lizards, turtles, cr
View the Source
Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • Founded By: Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti, Lead section
    an important book in herpetology
  • Has Scientist: Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti, Infobox, fields
    Infobox fields: Medicine, herpetology
View the Source
Edward Drinker Cope (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHas Scientist: Edward Drinker Cope, Infobox, fields
Quote, Has Scientist: Edward Drinker Cope, Infobox, fields
Infobox fields: Paleontology, zoology, herpetology
View the Source
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