What is ichthyology? This discipline is a section of zoology that deals with the scientific study of fish. Representatives of such a profession as an ichthyologist collect samples, discover new species of these underwater inhabitants and study how they live in the wild.
What is ichthyology?
This is a science that studies fish, and scientists who study this discipline are called ichthyologists. The name comes from the ancient Greek language - "ichthyus" means fish. Adding “logo” to the end of a word means a word (study). The main sections of ichthyology:
- Systematics.
- Phylogenetics.
- Anatomy.
- Physiology.
- Ecology.
- Biogeography.
In addition to the study of fish in their natural habitats, commercial species and their artificial breeding are a traditional object of study.
History of ichthyology
People have been curious to learn about fish for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks studied their different types and how they were related to each other. At that time, people did not have submarines, but as technology improved, divers and submariners began to study fish more closely in the wild. Today ichthyologists work in research laboratories and museums using high-tech equipment, diving equipment and other scientific tools.
How and why ichthyologists study fish
Ichthyology studies fish, but why is this needed? It is hard to imagine, but the number of species found is more than 27,000. All new organisms are constantly replenishing this collection. For example, in 2016, ichthyologists discovered a completely new species of fish in the Amazon River.
We study those individuals who need food and are at risk of extinction. Knowing how these fish live can help to avoid harming them. For example, the famous ichthyologist Charles Gilbert studied salmon in the Pacific Ocean. He was one of the first to realize that this species is in danger and needs protection.
What is ichthyology? It is a science that can tell us amazing things about the world. For example, in some species of fish, the ear bones acquire rings similar to those of trees as they grow. Scientists can use this information to study ocean temperature a thousand years ago.
Ichthyologist: job description, responsibilities and requirements
Devoting himself to the study of ichthyology (this is the science of all kinds of fish), the ichthyologist is knowledgeable in the field of behavior and habits of these creatures, their history and development. The minimum education required for this career is a bachelor's degree in fields such as zoology and marine biology, with a term paper on the subject of Marine Ecology and Aquatic Entomology.
Ichthyologists are biologists studying all kinds of fish. Since this position may require field work (applied ichthyology), including being in water or on water for long periods of time, physical fitness and curiosity about nature are important requirements for this profession.
A bachelor's degree in biology is the minimum education required for this career field, but many ichthyologists receive master's and doctoral degrees. These advanced levels allow you to gain more opportunities for specialization, and they open up career opportunities in research and academia.
Description of the ichthyologist
Ichthyologists can work in universities, museums, private companies and government agencies. They study all aspects of fish species, including natural history, behavior, reproductive habits, and growth patterns.
In addition to their research, they can take part in educating the population about fish species and their conservation. At universities, scientists mainly conduct research, but can teach courses in ichthyology, marine biology, or related fields, such as ichthyology and fish farming.
Ichthyologist Responsibilities
In the field, ichthyologists collect samples, measure animals, and record data. Returning to the laboratory or office, they analyze their results and samples of finds. In the course of their research, ichthyologists can discover new species of fish and come up with a name for them.
Scientists working at research universities spend their time developing proposals for grants to finance their research projects. In addition to their teaching duties, they can also instruct students or participate in student projects. In some cases, ichthyologists can attend conferences and seminars to learn about events or exchange information and ideas with other scientists.
Requirements for Ichthyologists
Like most biological scientists, ichthyologists must have at least a bachelor's degree in relevant biological science, such as zoology or marine biology. Students can take courses such as Marine Ecology, Water Entomology, and Vertebrate History. Some schools also offer specialization - marine biology, instead of basic zoology.
A bachelor's or master's degree is sufficient for many positions in this field, including the work of a technical specialist, non-academic researcher. Nevertheless, a career involving academic studies, training for graduates of specialized higher educational institutions, or higher-level leadership positions usually requires a doctorate.
Fish study
Ichthyology is the study of cyclostomes and fish. Most researchers in this area are working on taxonomy (classification and description of new species) and biogeography (distribution patterns). The museums store large reference collections of surviving specimens that assist in these studies. They are a constant resource for present and future generations.
Fish are classified by comparing various proportional measurements and examining the location of features, such as counting Finnish spikes, scales, teeth, and gill elbows. It is also important to study the processes of reproduction. Males and females, as well as cubs of the same species, often exhibit different color patterns. The same representatives living in different habitats can also have a number of significant differences.
Bottomless space to explore
Increasingly, genetics plays an important role in the taxonomy of fish, and the DNA of the studied animal is compared with the DNA of related species and geographical populations of the same species. For this purpose, in addition to the sample, frozen muscle tissue samples are stored. What is ichthyology? This is an in-depth knowledge of the diversity of fish, their distribution, habitat and life requirements, which are important for fisheries management and the conservation of aquatic species.
Many areas, larval stages of some fish species have not been studied. There are still numerous species that remain undescribed. In 1989, it was estimated that there were 3,600 species of fish in Australia, but by 2006 this figure had risen to 4,500. Future studies, especially those relating to the fauna of the deep seamounts and continental slopes, will undoubtedly give many new and exciting discoveries in this area.
Economic importance
Fish is an important source of protein for millions of people in the world. Population growth has led to increased demand for this product as a food source. An estimated 25 percent of all protein consumed by humans is fish. For some developing countries, this is a very profitable and often the only type of export product.
Fish research is becoming an increasingly important discipline, as their populations are declining throughout the world, and this, in turn, has a huge impact on ocean ecosystems. Studies in ichthyology help determine what series of actions need to be taken to maintain fish populations worldwide.