Introduction / Context:
Entomology is one of the most frequently asked one-word substitutions in general science and biology sections. It is a branch of zoology that focuses on a specific group of animals. Many competitive exams test whether students can correctly match entomology with the animals it studies, because insects play crucial roles in agriculture, disease transmission, pollination and ecological balance.
Given Data / Assumptions:
• The term to be defined is ‘‘entomology’’.
• The options include insects, behaviour of human beings, scientific names and formation of rocks.
• We assume basic familiarity with common scientific branches.
Concept / Approach:
The word ‘‘entomology’’ is derived from Greek, where ‘‘entomon’’ means insect and ‘‘logia’’ means study. Therefore, entomology literally means the study of insects. It deals with their classification, anatomy, life cycles, behaviour and their impact on humans and ecosystems. The other options in the question relate to psychology, taxonomy or geology, none of which are described by the term entomology.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Break down the word: ‘‘entomon’’ (insect) + ‘‘logy’’ (study).
2. Conclude that entomology is the study of insects.
3. Compare this with the options.
4. Option A, ‘‘Insects’’, matches the exact meaning.
5. Option B, ‘‘Behaviour of human beings’’, corresponds more to psychology or behavioural science.
6. Option C, ‘‘Scientific names’’, is related to taxonomy or nomenclature.
7. Option D, ‘‘Formation of rocks’’, refers to geology or petrology, not entomology.
8. Therefore, the correct answer is ‘‘Insects’’.
Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard biology or zoology textbook that outlines branches of zoology will list entomology as the study of insects. It is often mentioned alongside other branches such as ichthyology (fishes), ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles and amphibians) and mammalogy (mammals). This cross-check confirms that the only accurate option is insects.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, behaviour of human beings, is outside zoology and falls under psychology, sociology or anthropology. Option C, scientific names, does not represent a particular branch like entomology; it is a part of biological classification followed across many groups. Option D, formation of rocks, belongs to earth sciences such as geology and has no connection with insects or entomology.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse entomology with etymology, the study of the origin of words, or with other ‘‘-logy’’ terms because they sound similar. Another pitfall is to rush through the options and mix up insects with animals studied in related branches. A simple memory aid is that the ‘‘t’’ in entomology can remind you of tiny creatures like insects, helping you recall that it is the study of insects.
Final Answer:
Entomology is the science that studies
insects.
Discussion & Comments