Aristotle's biology
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Aristotle's biology is the theory of biology, grounded in systematic observation and collection of data, mainly zoological, embodied in Aristotle's books on the science. Many of his observations were made during his stay on the island of Lesbos, including especially his descriptions of the marine biology of the Pyrrha lagoon, now the Gulf of Kalloni. His theory is based on his concept of form, which derives from but is markedly unlike Plato's theory of Forms.
Among Aristotle's many observations of marine biology was that the octopus can change colour when disturbed.
Aristotle spent some 20 years at Plato's academy in Athens.
Aristotle argued by analogy with a woodcarving that a thing takes its form both from its design and from the material used.
Embryogenesis: Aristotle saw the chick embryo's heart beating. 19th century drawing by Peter Panum
Zoology
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Zoology is the scientific study of animals. Its studies include the structure, embryology, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct, and how they interact with their ecosystems. Zoology is one of the primary branches of biology. The term is derived from Ancient Greek ζῷον, zōion ('animal'), and λόγος, logos.
Conrad Gessner (1516–1565). His Historiae animalium is considered the beginning of modern zoology.
Animal anatomical engraving from Handbuch der Anatomie der Tiere für Künstler.
Kelp gull chicks peck at red spot on mother's beak to stimulate the regurgitating reflex.