Zoology is the scientific study of animal life. A branch of biology, it can include all aspects of animal behavior, including reproduction, structure, evolution, habits, classification, and the way they interact with their habitats. Its roots date back to ancient times—even Aristotle took notes on animal behavior. Zoology can be broken down into many smaller branches itself, usually depending on the type of animal being studied or the way you study animals. For example, a person may study zoography or the way an animal impacts its environment, or you may study ichthyology, which is the study of fish. It can also be both a basic or an applied science.‎