The herpetology includes the study of reptiles and amphibian species of the animal kingdom (Animalia). It is a branch of zoology and a sub-branch of biology, which in turn is related to some approaches such as paleontology, ecology, taxonomy and others. You combine these two groups of animals in your studies because they have some common ancestor.
On the one hand, there are reptiles that are made up of species of vertebrate animals, with four legs, with the exception of snakes. Its body is usually covered with scales or bony plates. His breathing is pulmonary. They are oviparous and ovoviviparous. Crocodiles, turtles, and snakes are examples of reptiles.
Toad specimen, belonging to the amphibian group
Image by miniformat65 from Pixabay
On the other hand are amphibians, tetrapod, oviparous and bare-skinned animals. Most undergo transformations that are part of their growth. Their type of respiration can vary depending on the species or growth stage, and can be pulmonary, branchial or even through the skin. They inhabit land and water. Frogs, salamanders, and toads are known examples of amphibian animals.
Herpetology can also provide many benefits on a medical level. Some of the natural toxins and poisons of reptiles are useful to humans. For example, there are snake venoms that can be effective as blood thinners.
History of Herpetology
The beginnings of herpetology vary according to the regions of the world, since it is a science that was developed in each country as a result of the emergence of large collections of species of amphibians and reptiles.
For example, in the case of Russia it is related to the founding of the Kunstkamera museum in Saint Petersburg, specifically at the time of the government of Tsar Peter the Great. During the second decade of the 18th century, this ruler made the purchase of the Albertus Seba species collection, which was destined for the museum. It contained more than 120 specimens of amphibians and reptiles.
Later, in 1924, the Academy of Sciences was founded, governed by the aforementioned museum. In this way, a large number of expeditions began that were expanding the study of reptile and amphibian species and, in turn, increased the collections. However, it was not until 1912 that the Department of Herpetology was established independently.
In North America, history dates back to the late 19th century with the purchase of the Maximilian de Wied-Neuwied collection for the American Museum. Later, the expeditionary rush and the formation of the Department of Ichthyology and Herpetology in 1909, increased the scope of studies of new species.
The work of a herpetologist
The natural sciences focus on understanding the life of different species from multiple points of view. For their part, herpetologists are dedicated to research on reptiles and amphibians from the most general to the most specific aspects.
Many of the data of interest have to do with the study of the behavior of the species, its feeding, reproduction, interaction with the environment and defense mechanisms. They also inquire about the way in which they face adversity, what are the main threats, causes of death and the species that are invasive to them.
The studies of these specialists are also of great contribution to the preservation of ecosystems. Some types of animals within the group of reptiles and amphibians can be seen as "indicators" to detect environmental changes because they are sensitive to alterations in their environment.
In this way herpetologists can also create plans for the protection and control of species deaths.
The varieties of ecosystems in which studies related to herpetology can be carried out move specialists to seek information in different natural areas. Deserts, caves, humid environments, swamps or rocky areas are some examples of the areas where you can explore and learn more about the species.
Herpetological collections
For years expeditions have been carried out in order to identify species of reptiles and amphibians and thus increase the different collections of the world. These are usually open to provide information about all known specimens. It is common to find collections in museums dedicated to the natural sciences.
Among the important institutions that can be mentioned are the Museum of Natural History of America, with more than 150 years of experience and in fifth position among the largest collections in the world. Also featured is the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History, with one of the largest records, containing more than 340,000 specimens to its credit.
For its part, in Europe the Museum of Natural History in London should be noted, which has up to 150,000 specimens of 8,000 species. Many of these date from the late 18th century and come from parts of Africa and Asia.
The collection of the Department of Herpetology of the Russian Academy of Sciences is another of the best known. They currently have 5,500 specimens of amphibians and 22,000 reptiles, with a total of approximately 700 species. Many come from the central part of Asia.
Herpets
Divided into two classes of animals (Amphibia and Reptilia), herpetos make up an important part of the Earth's life cycle. It is estimated that there are more than 9,500 species of reptiles in the world and include crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles and sphenodonts, among others.
Turtles are part of the reptile group. They can be both on land and in water. Image by Pexels from Pixabay
The amphibian population worldwide is smaller compared to that of reptiles, comprising about 7,000 species. This is because amphibians have been greatly affected by pollution and climate change factors, since they have a greater sensitivity to the environment. This group is distributed in toads and frogs, salamanders and gymnophions.
Amphibians are among the first living beings to have changed their natural aquatic environment for the terrestrial one. Despite this, they are still linked to water since they are prone to dehydration. Its most characteristic feature is that of experiencing metamorphosis. Many amphibians change their anatomy at each stage of their development.
References
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- What is a herpetologist ?. Enviromental Science. Recovered from environmentalscience.org
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- Amphibians National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity. Recovered from biodiversity.gob.mx
- Collections. Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum. Recovered from biodiversity.ku.edu
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