Introduction to Tropical Zoology

The perpetuation of life on planet Earth is presently threatened by innumerable pressures derived from human activities. As we strive to predict and control the damages humans continue to inflict upon the Earth, a key factor that will prove immeasurably valuable is knowledge about the various forms of life, including where and how they live. The word “science” is derived from the Latin verb “scire”, meaning “to know”, and “scientia”, meaning “knowledge” (Webster ́s New World Dictionary, 1971). Science, as opposed to simple belief, is a system based upon the acquisition of information through observation, study and experimentation. Such a system provides us with facts about our surroundings, and allows the interpretation of phenomena that, ultimately, may be a means to protecting all forms of life. In this Section on Tropical Zoology of the Theme ‘Tropical Biology and Natural Resources’ we have strived to summarize some major findings concerning different animal groups residing in the tropics. The different chapters range from descriptive information concerning the basic biology and classification of animals to interpretations of conceptual issues that may have played an important role in shaping the evolution and characteristics of tropical animals.