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Ornithology

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Zoology

Image:Rød ræv (Vulpes vulpes).jpg

Branches of Zoology

Acarology

Arachnology

Cetology

Entomology

Ethology

Herpetology

Ichthyology

Mammalogy

Myrmecology

Neuroethology

Ornithology

Paleozoology

Paleontology

Anthrozoology

History

pre-Darwin

post-Darwin

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Ornithology (from the Greek ornis = bird and logos = word/science) is the branch of zoology concerned with the scientific study of birds. Several aspects of the study of ornithology differ from closely related disciplines, perhaps because of the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds. Most marked among these is the extent of field studies undertaken by amateur volunteers working within the parameters of strict scientific methodology.

Contents

[edit] Fields of study

The areas of study that are included under ornithology are numerous and no list can attempt to be exhaustive. The following is a broad classification of some of the fields within contemporary ornithology.

  • Field Ornithology
    • Ecological studies
      • Studies of individuals
      • Studies of populations
      • Studies of communities
    • Behavioral studies
  • Laboratory Ornithology
    • Physiological studies
    • Genetic studies

The techniques used in ornithology are varied and changing. Early ornithological studies were based on specimen shooting and skins. Ornithology has subsequently become largely observation based. Optical instruments have been very important in ornithology; however approaches such as the use of radar and radio tracking are also used. Use of ringing and other marking techniques have helped in studies of migration and behavior.

Birds have served as important model organisms in the evolution of modern biological ideas. Key ideas include that of speciation, as noted by Charles Darwin from his observation of the finches on the Galapagos Islands. The first attempt to formally define the concept of biological species was also developed using birds as model organisms by Ernst Mayr. Birds have also been the subject of numerous evolutionary studies that have helped in understanding the plasticity of species and the limitations of attempts to define species.

Many advances in ecology have also been made based on the study of birds. These include theories of island biogeography, models of extinction and species-area relationships.

Birds have also served as models for behavioural studies including studies of mate selection, territoriality, foraging behaviour and parental investment. Other aspects of special interest include their ability to navigate in migrations.

[edit] History of ornithology

(See also Timeline of ornithology)

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[edit] National associations and societies

[edit] Africa

South Africa

[edit] Asia

India
  • Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS): Located at Mumbai (formerly Bombay), the oldest non-government Organization in the area of natural history in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Located near Coimbatore.
  • Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta. The government department meant to document and study the fauna of India.
Japan

[edit] Europe

Estonia
Ireland
Lithuania
Slovenia
  • Society for Observation and Study of Birds of Slovenia (Društvo za opazovanje in proučevanje ptic Slovenije) (DOPPS)
United Kingdom

[edit] North America

Canada
USA
Mexico
  • CIPAMEX, La Sección Mexicana del Consejo Internacional para la Preservación de las Aves, A.C.

[edit] Oceania

Australia
New Zealand

[edit] South America

Brazil

[edit] Publications and magazines

[edit] People

See List of famous ornithologists

[edit] See also

[edit] Other Meanings

[edit] External links

cs:Ornitologie de:Vogelkunde es:Ornitología eo:Ornitologio fr:Ornithologie fy:Ornitology hr:Ornitologija ia:Ornithologia is:Fuglafræði it:Ornitologia he:אורניתולוגיה ja:鳥類学 lt:Ornitologija nl:Ornithologie no:Ornitologi pl:Ornitologia pt:Ornitologia ro:Ornitologie ru:Орнитология simple:Ornithology sl:Ornitologija fi:Ornitologia sv:Ornitologi tet:Ornitolojia tr:Ornitoloji

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