In the following one word substitution question, select the alternative that best replaces the phrase "study of snakes", meaning the scientific study of snakes and related reptiles.

Introduction / Context:
This question evaluates your understanding of specialised scientific vocabulary expressed through one word substitutions. The phrase "study of snakes" refers to a branch of zoology that focuses particularly on snakes. English uses a term derived from the Greek word for snake combined with the common suffix "-logy", which means study or science of.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase given is "study of snakes".
• Four options are provided, all ending or sounding like scientific disciplines.
• Only one option is built from the Greek root for snake plus "-logy".
• You must identify the correct root and match it with the concept of studying snakes.

Concept / Approach:
The Greek word "ophis" means snake. The term "ophiology" (here given as the corrected form "Ophiology") literally means the study of snakes. Sometimes snakes are also studied under the broader field of herpetology, which includes amphibians and reptiles. However, in the narrow sense, "ophiology" is specifically used for snakes. The other options are different disciplines: "philology" is the study of language and texts, "phrenology" is an old pseudoscience about skull shapes and personality, and "upology" has no standard recognition as a field of snake study. Thus, "Ophiology" is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that scientific fields ending in "-logy" typically denote the study of a particular subject. Step 2: Identify which prefix corresponds to snakes in Greek. Step 3: Recall that "ophis" means snake, giving "ophiology" as study of snakes. Step 4: Match "Ophiology" with the phrase "study of snakes". Step 5: Eliminate options that are known to refer to language, skulls, or undefined fields.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by thinking of similar scientific words. For example, "zoology" is study of animals, "ornithology" is study of birds, and "entomology" is study of insects. In the same pattern, "ophiology" fits the pattern of "subject root + logy". Because "ophio" relates to snakes, this confirms that "Ophiology" is the most appropriate term for the scientific study of snakes. The other options clearly refer to completely different areas of study.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A, "Philology", is the study of language in written historical sources and is not related to animals.
• Option B, "Phrenology", is a discredited theory about personality and skull shapes, not about snakes.
• Option D, "Upology", is not a standard recognised term for studying snakes and does not match the Greek roots involved.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often get confused by look alike scientific terms, especially when several unfamiliar options are presented together. Some candidates may choose "phrenology" or "philology" simply because they have seen these words before, even though the meanings are unrelated to snakes. To avoid such mistakes, always think of the roots and check whether the word appears logically connected with the subject specified in the question. Developing basic familiarity with Greek and Latin roots used in scientific vocabulary is a powerful strategy for handling such items.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitution for "study of snakes" is Ophiology, so Option C is correct.