Inzoology,mammalogy, fromLatinmamma, meaning "breast", and-logy from λόγος (lógos), meaning "study", is the study ofmammals – aclass ofvertebrates with characteristics such ashomeothermicmetabolism,fur, four-chamberedhearts, and complexnervous systems.[1] The archive of the number of mammals on earth is constantly growing, but is currently set at 6,495 different mammalspecies including recently extinct.[2] There are 5,416 living mammal species identified on earth and roughly 1,251 have been newly discovered since 2006.[2] The major branches of mammalogy include natural history, taxonomy and systematics, anatomy and physiology, ethology, ecology, and management and control.[3] Mammalogists are typically involved in activities such as conducting research, managing personnel, and writing proposals.[4][5]
Mammalogy branches off into other taxonomically oriented disciplines such asprimatology (the study ofprimates), andcetology (the study ofcetaceans). Like other studies, mammalogy is also a part of zoology which is also a part ofbiology, the study of all living things.
Mammalogists have stated that there are multiple reasons for the study and observation of mammals. Knowing how mammals contribute to or thrive in their ecosystems gives knowledge on the ecology behind it.[6] Mammals are often used in business industries, agriculture, and kept for pets. Studying mammals habitats and sources of energy has led to aiding in survival. The domestication of some small mammals has also helped discover several different diseases, viruses, and cures.[7]
A mammalogist studies and observes mammals. In studying mammals, they can observe their habitats, contributions to the ecosystem, their interactions, and their anatomy and physiology. A mammalogist can do a broad variety of things within the realm of mammals. A mammalogist on average can make roughly $58,000 a year. This depends on the employer and the state.[8][9]
The first people recorded to have researched mammals were the ancient Greeks with records on mammals that were not even native to Greece and others that were.Aristotle was one of the first to recognize whales and dolphins as mammals since up until the 18th century most of the study was done by taxonomy.[10]
This is a list of scientific journals broadly serving mammalogists. In addition, many other more general zoology, ecology and evolution, or conservation journals also deal with mammals, and several journals are specific to only certain taxonomic groups of mammals.
^Sterling, Keir B. (February 2000).Allen, Glover Morrill (1879-1942), mammalogist and ornithologist. American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press.doi:10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.1300026.
^"Dodge, John Vilas, (25 Sept. 1909–23 April 1991), Senior Editorial Consultant, Encyclopædia Britannica, since 1972; Chairman, Board of Editors, Encyclopædia Britannica Publishers, since 1977",Who Was Who, Oxford University Press, 2007-12-01,doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u172122
