> Which topic does a herpetologist study?And the answer: reptiles and amphibians. Photo credit: Carl Linneaus via Wikimedia Commons.The word "herpetology" comesfrom the Greek word meaning "to creep." As a branch of zoology, herpetology isthe study of reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, as well as amphibians, suchas frogs and salamanders. A herpetologist studies the animals' behaviors,geographic ranges, genetics, and more.Upon spotting a venomous snake in the wild, most rational people would turn (andrun) the other direction. Yet for a herpetologist, such a sighting represents aunique opportunity. Whether alive or dead, reptiles in the wild open thepossibility of examining the creatures' biology, ethology, ecology, evolution,and even medical importance.Herpetologists' primary area of work is in the field, so these specialists spendtheir time doing research in one of a number of different areas. This couldinclude studies related to behavior, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology,health, or reproduction. A herpetologist's work is often concerned with issuesof conservation, and they'll often seek to provide sanctuaries for morecritically endangered reptiles. Since many reptiles and amphibians areconsidered "indicator species," the scientist's research may be used to evaluateoverall changes in the environment. As such, herpetologists may plan and managedisease control and conservation programs.Interestingly, some reptiles play an integral role in communities' diseasetransmission. Areas of the world with falling snake populations can experiencespikes in diseases such as typhoid and cholera, which are largely insect-drivendiseases. Further, treatments for diseases such as diabetes and cancer havefound sources for drug development in some snakes' venom. Learn more about the field of herpetology below.