Herpetology

Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians (including frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians) and reptiles (including snakes, lizards, amphisbaenids, turtles, terrapins, tortoises, crocodilians, and the tuataras). Herpetology is concerned with poikilothermic, ectothermic tetrapods.

Overview

One of the most prestigious organizations, the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, is dedicated to the scientific study of amphibians and reptiles. The Herpetologists' League and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles are also notable organizations in the field of herpetology.

Etymology

The term "herpetology" is derived from the Greek: herpeton, meaning "creeping animal" and -logia, meaning "study of". The term was coined by French naturalist Jean Leopold Nicolas Frederic Cuvier, also known as Georges Cuvier.

Branches of Herpetology

Herpetology includes several branches such as:

• Ethnoherpetology: The study of the cultural importance of amphibians and reptiles.
• Paleoherpetology: The study of fossil amphibians and reptiles.

Notable Herpetologists

Some notable herpetologists include:

• George Albert Boulenger
• Edward Drinker Cope
• G. K. Noble
• Karl Patterson Schmidt

See Also

• List of herpetologists
• Herpetoculture
• Herpetological Conservation and Biology

References

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  Dendrobates tinctorius var. azureus at Karlsruhe Zoo