In
zoology,
mammalogy is the study of
mammals – a
class of
vertebrates with characteristics such as
homeothermic metabolism,
fur, four-chambered
hearts, and complex
nervous systems. Mammalogy has also been known as "
mastology," "
theriology," and "
therology." There are about 4,200 different species of animals which are considered mammals. The major branches to study in the mammalogy career include natural history, taxonomy and systematics, anatomy and physiology, ethology, ecology, and management and control. The approximate salary of a mammalogist varies from $20,000 to $60,000 a year, depending on their experience. Mammalogists are typically involved in activities such as conducting research, managing personnel, and writing proposals.