Herpetology

Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of

amphibians (including frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and the gymnophiona) and
reptiles (including snakes, lizards, amphisbaenids, turtles, terrapins, tortoises,
crocodilians and the tuataras). The discipline can include the biology, ecology,
behaviour, taxonomy and husbandry of these organisms. A herpetologist is
someone who specializes in the study of reptiles and amphibians. If it slithers
around on its belly, a herpetologist will know what it is.
The word herpetologist comes from the Greek root herpeton meaning "creeping
animal." When a herpetologist goes out searching for reptiles and amphibians, he is
herping, or peeking under rocks and in the mud, hoping to find a slithery creature
lingering there. What will he find? Turtles, snakes, alligators, salamanders, etc.
These reptiles and amphibians are a herpetologist's forte.

Submitted by: Chain D. Habana