The scientific study of birds is called ______.

ornithology

The correct answer is Option (1) -ornithology

The correct term for the scientific study of birds is ornithology.

• Ornithology is derived from the Greek words "ornis," meaning bird, and "logos," meaning study or science. It is the branch of zoology that focuses on the study of birds, including their behavior, ecology, physiology, evolution, and taxonomy.
• Ichthyology is the scientific study of fish.
• Gerontology is the study of aging and the elderly.
• Pomology is the branch of botany that deals with the study and cultivation of fruit.

Therefore, among the options provided, only ornithology pertains specifically to the scientific study of birds.