Herpetology

/ˌhɜrpɪˈtɑlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The scientific study of reptiles and amphibians, including their evolution, behavior, ecology, and classification.

Etymology

From Greek 'herpeton' (creeping creature) combined with '-logy' (study of). The term was formalized in the early 19th century as zoology became more specialized.

Kelly Says

Herpetology is one of the oldest branches of natural history—Aristotle wrote about snakes and frogs over 2,000 years ago, but we still discover new reptile species nearly every week!

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