Zoographical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to the scientific description and classification of animals according to their geographic distribution across different regions of the world
2. Concerning the study and classification of animal species based on their distribution and habitat around the globe
3. Pertaining to the examination and categorization of wildlife in relation to their geographical locations throughout the planet

Etymology: "Zoographical" is simply "zoography" with the adjective ending "-ical" added. "Zoography" is itself built from Greek roots: "zōion," meaning animal, and "-graphia," meaning writing or description, so the noun names the description of animals. The adjective extends that sense, so something zoographical concerns the description or mapping of animals across regions. The extra "-ical" is an adjective-forming suffix that comes from Greek "-ikos" through Latin "-icus," and it attaches to many nouns ending in "-graphy," such as "geographical" from "geography." In "zoographical," the sense is more specific than "zoological": where zoology is the study of animals as such, this word narrows the focus to how animals are distributed across the earth.

Synonyms: zoological, animal-related, faunal, wildlife-related, animal geography