BCN herpetology

The etymology of the term herpetology is based on the greek herpes, meaning a creeping thing. The may not sound like an enthusiastic way to describe an animal, but the ancient world held some reptiles in high regard. Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of reptiles and amphibians, including their classification, ecology, behavior, physiology, anatomy, and paleontology. Herpetoculture is the art and science of breeding snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, amphibians, and other herpetozoa in captivity.

Herpetology (from Greek: ἑρπετόν, "creeping animal" and λόγος, logos, "knowledge") is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of reptiles and amphibians. Many biologists use the term "herp" or "herptiles" for all reptiles and amphibians. Herpetology is concerned with poikilothermic, or cold-blooded, groups of animals. "Herps" include salamanders, frogs, toads, an odd group of amphibians called caecilians, snakes, lizards, turtles, tuataras and crocodilians.


Ethnoherpetology is the study of the past and present interrelationships between human cultures and reptiles and amphibians. It is a sub-field of ethnozoology, which in turn is a sub-field of ethnobiology. Snakes and amphibians have been considered chthonic creatures in many cultures. Richly represented in mythology, culture, art, and literature, they often evoke revulsion, fear, suspicion and awe, sometimes even hysteria. Frogs and toads were believed to announce the rains with their choruses.

Ophiology (Greek ophis = "snake" + logy = "study") is a branch of herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians, and deals with the scientific study of snakes, including the natural history and behavior of the animals. An individual who studies snakes is known as an ophiologist. Many professional ophiologists find employment in zoos, while amateur ophiologists mainly keep snakes as pets.


From Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia)