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Abu Usman Aljahiz was a prominent Muslim scholar and writer of the 9th century, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of Zoology, which is the scientific study of animals. Born in Basra, Iraq, Aljahiz made significant contributions to the understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and the interrelationship between living creatures and their environment.

Aljahiz is widely recognized as one of the earliest scientists to propose ideas similar to natural selection. In his famous book "Kitab al-Hayawan" (Book of Animals), he described hundreds of animal species, their characteristics, and their interactions with nature. His observations included how animals adapt to survive, how environmental changes affect living organisms, and how food chains operate in natural ecosystems. This work is considered a milestone in the history of biological sciences.

During a time when most scientific knowledge was limited, Aljahiz combined his keen observations with logical reasoning to explain natural phenomena. His writings also included discussions on animal communication, migration patterns, and the struggle for existence, showing remarkable foresight centuries before modern biology developed similar theories.

Zoology, as a branch of biology, focuses on studying animals, their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolution. Aljahiz’s contributions laid an early foundation for this field, influencing later scholars in both the Islamic Golden Age and the Western scientific world.

By recognizing Abu Usman Aljahiz’s specialization in zoology, students learn about the historical development of biological sciences and the role Muslim scientists played in shaping modern scientific thought. His work remains an important reference in understanding the origins of zoological studies and the evolution of scientific inquiry in the natural world.