What branch of biology focuses specifically on the study of the animal kingdom?

Zoology is the branch of biology that is dedicated to the study of animals, including their behavior, physiology, classification, and distribution. It encompasses various aspects of animal life, from the microscopic details of cellular structures to the ecological roles animals play in their environments. By focusing specifically on the animal kingdom, zoology contributes to our understanding of the diversity of life forms, their evolutionary history, and their interactions with ecosystems.

Cynology, while related to the study of dogs and their domestication, is a more specialized field within zoology and does not encompass the entirety of the animal kingdom. Ethology pertains to the study of animal behavior, particularly in natural environments, which is also a specific aspect of zoology but does not cover the overall breadth of the animal kingdom. Genetics focuses on heredity and variation in organisms, which applies to both plants and animals but is not exclusive to the study of the animal kingdom itself.