Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence: "The study of skin".

Introduction / Context:
This one-word substitution question focuses on medical terminology. The phrase "The study of skin" refers to a specific branch of medicine that deals with the skin, its structure, functions and diseases. Knowing such terms is useful not only for exams but also for understanding medical information in everyday life.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrase: "The study of skin".
• Options: Dermatology, Dermatoglyphics, Stratigraphy, Oncology.
• We assume standard definitions for these scientific and medical terms.

Concept / Approach:
"Dermatology" is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and their diseases. The term comes from "derma" meaning skin and "logy" meaning study. The other options are related to different fields: dermatoglyphics involves skin patterns (especially fingerprints), stratigraphy is a geological term, and oncology deals with tumours and cancer. The approach is to identify the term that directly and broadly covers the study of the skin itself, not just a special aspect or a different organ system.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that "study of skin" describes a medical or biological field. Step 2: Consider "Dermatology". This is widely known as the medical speciality concerned with skin and its disorders. Step 3: Consider "Dermatoglyphics". This is the study of the patterns of ridges on the skin of the fingers, hands and feet, especially fingerprints; it is more specialised than general skin study. Step 4: Consider "Stratigraphy". This is a geology term for the study of rock layers and strata. Step 5: Consider "Oncology". This branch of medicine is focused on tumours and cancer, not specifically on skin. Step 6: Only "Dermatology" clearly and directly fits "the study of skin".

Verification / Alternative check:
If you have ever visited a skin specialist, you will know they are called dermatologists, and their field is dermatology. Medical textbooks and hospital departments use exactly this term. The question asks for the overall study of skin, which is what dermatology covers. Dermatoglyphics would be too narrow because it deals with patterns on skin ridges, and the other two options belong to unrelated fields.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Dermatoglyphics: Study of skin ridge patterns and fingerprints, not general skin anatomy and disease.
• Stratigraphy: Study of rock layers in geology, unrelated to the human or animal body.
• Oncology: Study and treatment of tumours and cancers; while skin cancer falls under oncology, the term is not limited to skin.

Common Pitfalls:
The presence of "dermato-" in both dermatology and dermatoglyphics can confuse candidates. The key is to remember that "-logy" typically denotes a broad field of study, while "-glyphics" refers to carved or inscribed symbols, in this case ridge patterns. Whenever multiple options share similar prefixes, pay close attention to their suffixes and full meanings.

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitute is Dermatology.