A paleontologist studies the history and process of evolution by examining fossils, the preserved traces of long dead animals and plants. Using data from fossilized bones, ancient pollen, and other clues, paleontologists dig up the details on past climates and past extinctions.
They tell us about the history of the earth, the evolution of life, and our own place in the world. Paleontologists plan, direct, and conduct fieldwork projects to search for fossils or collect samples. They document the work site and dig up fossils or take core samples from lakes, soil, or ice sheets. They then need to preserve the specimens and prepare them for transport to the institution where they'll be cleaned and studied.
Some work in laboratories, using chemical techniques to analyze fossilized samples and ancient pollen. They share their research by writing journal articles and presenting to colleagues at professional conferences. Most need to write applications for grants to support their research. Many teach and conduct research as faculty members at colleges and universities.
Paleontologists usually specialize in a particular research area. For example, micropaleontologists study microscopic fossils. Paleobotanistsconduct research on fossil plants, including algae and fungi.
Palynologists study pollen and spores. Invertebrate paleontologists study fossils of invertebrate animals like mollusks and worms. Vertebrate paleontologists focus on the fossils of vertebrate animals, including fish. Human paleontologists or paleoanthropologists focus on the fossils of prehistoric humans and pre-human hominids.
Taphonomists study the process that creates fossils. Ichnologists hunt for fossil tracks, trails, and footprints, such as the dinosaur tracks found in Arkansas in Paleoecologists use fossils, spores, pollen, and other information to study the ecologies and climates of the past. The revelations they uncover can help us understand the past, so that we don't repeat it. They can also provide context for comparison between the current state of our environment and biodiversity, and those of ancient and turbulent epochs.
Job Search. Ashley Jones. Table of Contents: What does a paleontologist do? How do you become a paleontologist? What skills do you need to become a paleontologist? What is the average salary for a paleontologist? What is the typical career path for a paleontologist? Related Stories:. What does a paleontologist do? Below is an overview of various sub-disciplines that a paleontologist may study, according to information from The University of California Museum of Paleontology at Berkeley : Micropaleontology: The study of microscopic fossils of any group Paleobotany: The study of fossilized plants Palynology: The study of pollen and spores living or fossilized Invertebrate Paleontology: The study of invertebrate animal fossils Vertebrate Paleontology: The study of vertebrate animal fossils Paleoanthropology: The study of prehistoric human fossils Taphonomy: The study of decay, preservation, and formation of fossils Ichnology: The study of fossil tracks, footprints, and trails Paleoecology: The study of the ecology and climate of the past The day-to-day work of a paleontologist will vary based on which sub-discipline they study and where they work.
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A paleontologist can work in museums and historical exhibits, oil, gas and mining companies, the government, colleges, universities, and as a consultant.
Many paleontologists travel around the world digging up fossils and preserving them. A geologist is someone who is involved in the study of the outer layer of the earth's crust.
The objective of geology is to understand the history of the planet we live on; to better predict the future and to explain current occurrences of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. A paleontologist, on the other hand, looks at fossil remains on many types of organisms on the earth's surface. Paleontology is the study of primitive life, including plant and animal organisms, fungi, bacteria, etc.
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