Zoology is the study of animal life. Zoology focuses on the evolution of the animal kingdom, comparing the anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behavior of animal groups. Zoologists are interested in the biology of particular groups of animals, the structure and function of animal bodies, and studying how new animals are formed and how their characteristics are passed on from one generation to another. Zoologists study the interactions of animals with one another and their environments, and the significance of the behavior of animals.
Zoology is both descriptive and analytical. It can be approached either as a basic science or as an applied science. A worker in basic zoology is interested in knowledge of animals for its own sake without consideration of the direct application of the information gained. In contrast, workers in applied zoology are interested in information which will directly benefit humans; medicine is an example.