Can You Guess the Branch of Science From an Emoji Sequence?

By: Beth Hendricks
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Guess the Branch of Science From an Emoji Sequence?
Image: Matt Lincoln/Cultura/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Science has a long and varied history. As far back as 4000 B.C., human beings tried to make sense of the universe through observation of the sky and stars. They laid the groundwork for the study of diseases and medications, looking to plants and natural elements around them to find relief. Fast-forward a few years, and you'll find scholars in Greece and Asia who started developing and applying mathematical equations to explain things like matter and energy. And we haven't even gotten to guys like Albert Einstein or Nikola Tesla yet!

Merriam-Webster defines science as "the state of knowing." That means, if there's anything in the universe that can be observed — from the weather to animals to communities — there's an "-ology" that fits. Biology, meteorology, audiology, zoology ... and the list goes on! The question is: Are you a prodigy of the "-ologies?" Do you know what the study of telmatology is? That's learning about swamps. How about the study of stomatology? That's learning about the mouth. See what we mean? There's a branch of science for a whole world of knowledge you may never have known existed.

Master the "-ologies" in this quiz by matching a sequence of emojis and a brief description to the correct branch of science. You're under the microscope! Prove you have what it takes to master the science of emoji-ology!

Acoustics
OpenMoji
Musicians love it. Which branch of science focuses on the physics of sound?
Acoustics
Audiology
Phrenology
Pneumatics
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You often hear people talk about the acoustics of a room and how sound travels in space. The science of acoustics is concerned with how sound is produced, how it's transmitted and how it's received.

aerodynamics
OpenMoji
How objects move through the air: Which branch of science focuses on this topic?
Magirics
Acarology
Aerodynamics
Penology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you've ever wondered how a 175,000-pound plane propels through the sky, the study of aerodynamics may be for you. Aerodynamics focuses on the relationship between the air and solid objects that move through it.

Agrobiology
OpenMoji
All living things need nutrients. Which branch of science studies soil nutrition?
Loimology
Biology
Agrobiology
Melology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Agrobiology is all about the dirt. Most notably, the nutrition in soil and how it impacts both plants and animals. Scientists in this field may be primarily concerned with how to make the soil more efficient for crop growth.

Advertisement

anatomy
OpenMoji
Your leg bone is connected to your knee bone. Which of these is the study of the human body?
Zoology
Physics
Anatomy
Biology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An off-shoot of biology, anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body. With almost 80 organs in the human body, there is certainly more than enough for anatomists to spend time on.

Anemology
OpenMoji
You might need a coat if you get involved in which area of windy study?
Anemology
Angiology
Spectrology
Ornithology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you want to study anemology, you might be right at home in a place like Chicago, known as "The Windy City." This branch of science comes from the Greek word, "anemos," which means wind.

Anthropology
OpenMoji
Curious why people act the way they do? You might want to study which of these branches of science?
Paleontology
Anthropology
Limacology
Aristology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Anthropologists concern themselves with studying humans and human behaviors both in the past and present. They might do this to help solve problems such as poverty or criminality.

Advertisement

Apiology
OpenMoji
Buzzzzzz! Which of these fields of science is concerned with the study of honey bees?
Kinesiology
Apiology
Beeology
Honeyatics
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Apiology may sound more like it's concerned with the study of monkeys or apes, but it is in fact the study of honey bees. The word is derived from Latin, where "apis" means "bees."

Aromachology
OpenMoji
What's that smell? This branch of science focuses on fragrances and odors and human reaction. What is it?
Lepidopterology
Aromachology
Hygrometry
Immunology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Have you ever had a fragrance remind you of a specific memory? Scientists actually study things like this in a branch of science known as aromachology. This one is easy to remember since the word "aroma" is right in the mix.

Astronomy
OpenMoji
Galileo Galilei was famous in this field, which examines stars, planets and galaxies. What is it?
Kalology
Cytology
Astronomy
Entomology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Galileo Galilei contributed much to the field of astronomy, but perhaps no discovery was as significant as his uncovering of Jupiter's four moons. Today, these moons are referred in honor of Galileo as the Galilean Moons.

Advertisement

Audiology
OpenMoji
Speak up, we can't hear you. Which of these branches of science studies ear and hearing issues?
Immunology
Audiology
Cosmetology
Cardiology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not only do we rely on our ears to hear things around us, but problems with them can lead to other issues such as balance problems. Audiologists concern themselves with the study of the ear and hearing and how it can impact other health issues.

Biology
OpenMoji
It's the circle of life. Which of these scientific fields deals with the study of life?
Ergonomics
Eschatology
Biology
Gerontology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You likely took biology in school, a subject that had you studying everything from the structure of cells to how plants engage in photosynthesis. Under biology are many subject areas, from biochemistry to ecology.

botany
OpenMoji
Green thumb? You might like to study which of these areas of science that focuses on plants?
Histology
Botany
Graphology
Heliology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's safe to say that botanists have a green thumb and a love of all things green and leafy. Botany studies everything from the structure of plants of all sizes to how plants interact with the environment around them.

Advertisement

Bromatology
OpenMoji
Did you know you can study hamburgers? This branch of science is the study of food. What is it called?
Hepatology
Bromatology
Hydrogeology
Loxodromy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From the Greek word, "broma," which means "food," we find bromatology — a study of both food products and the science behind them. Individuals who pursue this field are generally called "food scientists" rather than bromatologists.

Cardiology
OpenMoji
Which of these branches of science deals with matters of the heart (and we don't mean love)?
Dermatology
Cardiology
Hepatology
Irenology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cardiology is the study of the heart and its functions and disorders. If you have heart problems, you will likely be referred to a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in understanding the heart.

Chemistry
OpenMoji
Remember studying the periodic table? This branch of science deals with these elements and how they interact. What is it called?
Mesology
Neurology
Chemistry
Physiology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You may not think of yourself as a chemist, but if you've ever baked anything, there was chemistry involved. The field of chemistry is concerned with various elements and substances and how they interact.

Advertisement

Conchology
OpenMoji
She sells seashells by the seashore. What branch of science would she study if she were interested in shells?
Onomastics
Shellology
Conchology
Muscology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Conchology isn't just the study of conch shells, but it could certainly include those. Conchology is a part of the science of zoology, employing conchologists who study the shells of mollusks.

Demography
OpenMoji
If you dig the study of population density, births and deaths, which of these branches of science might be your favorite?
Cosmetology
Demography
Psychology
Embryology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Have you ever been asked for demographic information when filling out a survey or questionnaire? Chances are a demographer was using that information to study human populations — including you!

Dermatology
OpenMoji
If you have a skin rash or a problem with your fingernails, you'd want to see a doctor who specializes in which of these?
Dermatology
Gastronomy
Hermatology
Psychology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dermatologists went to school to learn more about the study of skin and the various things that affect it. This branch of science is known as dermatology, from the Greek word "dermatos," which means skin.

Advertisement

Ecology
OpenMoji
Which of these branches of science deals with the study of the environment and living beings that inhabit it?
Epistemology
Ecology
Garbology
Metrology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ecologists study things like how animals co-exist and interact with one another and with the environment they live in. The origin of the word "ecology" is interesting. It comes from the Greek word, "oikos," which means habitation or environment.

Emetology
OpenMoji
This question might gross you out. Which brand of science studies the act of vomiting?
Nostology
Metallurgy
Odontology
Emetology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's a pretty specific field of study, one that studies the act, and causes, of vomiting. It might make it sound better if you refer to vomiting by its technical name — emesis, making it easier to see where this branch of science gets its name.

Entomology
OpenMoji
Beetles, ants and mosquitos ... oh my! What field of science do people study to learn more about insects?
Entomology
Ichnology
Exobiology
Genethlialogy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A sub-specialty of zoology, entomology studies insects and their impact on the environment in which they live. Did you know insects make many of our plants, flowers and crops possible?

Advertisement

Epidemiology
OpenMoji
If there's ever a zombie outbreak, this field of science may help us understand it. What is it?
Enigmatology
Epidemiology
Zoology
Genesiology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If we ever have to figure out what's behind the spread of a viral infection that causes a zombie outbreak, we'll need the services of an epidemiologist. They study how diseases spread and how they can be controlled.

Ergonomics
OpenMoji
Have you ever had someone study you at work? This branch of science does just that. What is it called?
Glossology
Ergonomics
Fluviology
Geneology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ergonomics is concerned with how people work while they're at ... work. A great deal of fuss has been made in the past few years about ergonomically-designed work environments that help employees be safe and more productive.

Gerontology
OpenMoji
There's a branch of science that is specifically interested in your grandma and grandpa. What is it?
Graminology
Gerontology
Hagiology
Koniology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gerontology concerns itself with the study of aging and the various matters that affect the aging population. Gerontologists may find careers in hospitals, assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Advertisement

Hematology
OpenMoji
Dracula might have made a career out of this branch of science. Which of these deals with the study of blood?
Cardiology
Hematology
Oncology
Radiology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hematology focuses on the study of blood and blood disorders like anemia, leukemia and hemophilia. The word hematology derives from the Greek, "haima," which means blood, and makes up words like "hemorrhage" and "hemangioma," both of which concern the blood.

Ichthyology
OpenMoji
Here fishy, fishy, fishy! Which of these branches of science studies fish?
Ichthyology
Kymatology
Etymology
Ornithology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fishermen may love fish for one reason, but they don't have anything on ichthyologists, who study fish and their habitats and behaviors. In Greek, the word "ikhthys" represents fish.

Marine biology
OpenMoji
Studying ocean life wouldn't be a bad gig. What is this branch of science called?
Pharology
Marine biology
Onomasiology
Pisteology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Marine biology is the study of what lives in the deep blue sea. Marine biologists may examine schools of fish, sharks, manatees and any other organism — large or small — in the water that covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface.

Advertisement

Meteorology
OpenMoji
You may find a person who studied weather on your local news broadcast. What branch of science are they interested in?
Phytology
Meteorology
Podology
Tempestology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Meteorologists, better known to some as a "weatherperson," study all types of weather and weather patterns in the atmosphere. Most television stations employ a meteorologist who explains the weather to viewers.

Odontology
OpenMoji
Smile! This branch of science is concerned with the study of teeth. What is it called?
Toreutics
Odontology
Urology
Speleology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Have you ever had to see an orthodontist? Do you recognize the "odont" in that word? Odontology is the study of teeth. More specifically, odontologists work to understand the anatomy of teeth and are called upon often to help in criminal investigations.

Ophthalmology
OpenMoji
Eye see you! Which branch of science concerns the study of the eye and eye disorders?
Sphygmology
Ophthalmology
Rhinology
Primatology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ophthalmology is a branch of science that involves the study of the eye and diseases that can affect it, such as macular degeneration or cataracts. These experts are known as ophthalmologists, which is different than an optometrist.

Advertisement

Pharmacology
OpenMoji
This branch of science concerns the use of effects of medications. What is it called?
Sarcology
Pharmacology
Psychopathology
Stemmatology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pharmacologists study how different types of medications are used and how they might impact those taking them. You probably recognize the word "pharma" from your local "pharmacy" or pharmaceutical companies that produce medications.

Psychology
OpenMoji
If you need someone to get inside your mind, someone who studied this branch of science will help. What is it?
Psychology
Sociology
Dendrology
Cynology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Both psychologists and psychiatrists deal with matters of the mind, which makes them ideal choices if you have mental concerns you need to work through. The word psychology stems from the Greek, "psyche," which has been interpreted as "life," "spirit" or "self."

Seismology
OpenMoji
Which of these weather-related branches of science focuses on the study of earthquakes?
Seismology
Volcanology
Tempestology
Meteorology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Seismologists study earthquakes and the waves earthquakes generate that pass through the Earth. The man who invented the Richter scale, a device that measures an earthquake's intensity, was a seismologist.

Advertisement

Selenology
OpenMoji
Goodnight, moon. Which branch of science would be cool to study if you're a moon lover?
Tegestology
Somatology
Pyrgology
Selenology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Selenology, a word that is derived from the Greek word "selene" for moon, is concerned with just that — the study of the moon. Do you think you'd need to be a night owl to be a selenologist?

Ornithology
OpenMoji
Some scientists study birds. It's a branch of science known as which of these?
Helcology
Herpetology
Ornithology
Gemmology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ornithologists study all aspects of bird life, including the sounds they make, where and how they travel and how they behave in their environments. Ornithology is a sub-speciality of zoology.

Toxicology
OpenMoji
You might hear of someone having a screening to detect poisonous substances in the body. What branch of science covers this type of study?
Fluviology
Toxicology
Garbology
Histology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Have you ever heard of a toxicology screening? This is a type of test that assesses the drugs or poisons in a human's system. Toxicology is the study of how these poisons impact the body and how they can be used.

Advertisement

Urbanology
OpenMoji
New York, Los Angeles, Houston, too. What branch of science is concerned with studying places such as these?
Ruralology
Cityology
Urbanology
Hoplology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Believe it or not, the study of cities like New York, Los Angeles and Houston has a name — urbanology. Urbanologists can study these cities to help identify particular problems that plague these communities to help implement solutions.

Vexillology
OpenMoji
"You're a grand old flag!" Did you know flags have their own branch of science? Which is it?
Flagenomics
Vexillology
Typhlology
Vitrics
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

How in the world did they get "vexillology" from the study of flags? The Latin word for flag, "vexillum," explains a lot. Flags contain a lot of history, and their design elements are definitely worth of study.

Zoology
OpenMoji
People who love animals may choose to study this field of science. What is it?
Zoology
Typography
Uranology
Mallology
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Zoologists enjoy studying animals and what they do. That may include understanding the ecosystems in which particular animals live, their diets, characteristics of a species, and a host of other animal-related information.

Advertisement

You Got:
/39
Matt Lincoln/Cultura/Getty Images