Mammalogy

Mammalogy is the branch of biology that studies the mammals, a class of vertebrates with characteristics such as homeothermic metabolism, fur, four-chambered hearts, and complex nervous systems. Mammalogy has also been known as "mastology," "theriology," and "therology." There are about 5,400 species of mammals, depending on the authority consulted.

The person who studies the mammals is a mammalogist.

History

The study of mammals is a field that dates back centuries. It was a subdivision of zoology that became a separate discipline in the middle of the 18th century. Before that, the taxonomy of mammals was included in the study of animals, which was known as "natural history."

Branches of Mammalogy

Mammalogy has many branches, including but not limited to:

• Ethology: The study of animal behavior.
• Paleontology: The study of fossil mammals.
• Taxonomy: The classification of mammals.
• Anatomy: The study of the form and structure of mammals.
• Physiology: The study of the functions of the mammalian body.

Mammalogical Societies

There are many societies worldwide dedicated to the study of mammals, including the American Society of Mammalogists, the Australian Mammal Society, and the British Mammal Society.

See Also

• List of mammalogists
• Mammal classification
• Mammal Species of the World
• Mammalian reproduction

References

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External Links

• American Society of Mammalogists
• Australian Mammal Society
• British Mammal Society

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