In the history of biology, who is widely known as the father of Zoology for his systematic study, classification, and description of animals?

Introduction / Context:
The development of biology involved many important scientists who made foundational contributions to the study of plants and animals. Different titles such as father of Zoology, father of Botany, and father of Taxonomy are used to honour these pioneers. This question asks specifically about the person regarded as the father of Zoology because of his extensive and systematic work on animals in ancient times.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked to identify the father of Zoology.
• The options include Darwin, Aristotle, Lamarck, Theophrastus, and an additional famous biologist.
• We assume awareness of basic historical contributions in life sciences.
• We also assume that only one of the listed scientists is traditionally given this title.

Concept / Approach:
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, is widely regarded as the father of Zoology. He made detailed observations on a wide variety of animals and documented their anatomy, reproduction, and habits. His works, especially those on animals, laid the foundation for systematic zoological study. Theophrastus is often called the father of Botany for his work on plants. Charles Darwin is associated with the theory of evolution, and Carl Linnaeus is called the father of Taxonomy. Therefore, when the question refers to the father of Zoology, the correct answer is Aristotle.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Zoology is the branch of biology dealing with the study of animals. Step 2: Remember the major contributors: Aristotle studied animals, Theophrastus studied plants, Linnaeus developed classification, and Darwin proposed evolution by natural selection. Step 3: Identify which of these scientists is recognised for early systematic study and description of animals. Step 4: Recognise that Aristotle wrote detailed works on animal structure, reproduction, and classification. Step 5: Select Aristotle as the father of Zoology from the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
History of biology textbooks often specifically state that Aristotle is the father of Zoology because of his pioneering efforts in observing and recording animal life. They also clearly associate Theophrastus with Botany, Linnaeus with modern classification, and Darwin with evolution. This separation of titles helps confirm that in the context of zoological studies, Aristotle holds the title father of Zoology.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Darwin is celebrated for the theory of evolution by natural selection but is not referred to as the father of Zoology. Option C: Lamarck proposed an early theory of evolution involving inheritance of acquired characteristics, not the foundational classification of animals. Option D: Theophrastus is known as the father of Botany because of his work on plants, not animals. Option E: Linnaeus is called the father of Taxonomy or modern classification, not specifically the father of Zoology.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to confuse different titles and associate any major biologist with any foundational role. Some students may mistakenly pick Darwin or Linnaeus because they are more recent and famous. To avoid this, it is important to remember specific associations: Aristotle with Zoology, Theophrastus with Botany, Linnaeus with classification, and Darwin with evolution. Keeping these names and titles together as pairs makes it easier to recall the correct answer during exams.

Final Answer:
The scientist widely regarded as the father of Zoology is Aristotle.