The study of animals underpins many aspects of evolutionary biology, ecology and the environmental sciences in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Animal research is important for agriculture, as well as for the conservation of animals that are endangered by habitat loss or climate change. Research projects can range from the study of whole animal physiology, behaviour, conservation, genetics and evolution through the use of field and laboratory-based experimental techniques, as well as theoretical and computational approaches. Active zoological-based research within the School focuses on areas including conservation biology, biodiversity, animal behaviour, ecosystem interactions, evolutionary mechanisms, anthropogenic impacts to the environment, and palaeobiology.