Career as a Palaeontologist
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Career as a Palaeontologist
see also Palaeontology skills...on separate pages
How
to Read a Map
How
to use a Brunton compass
How
to Read a Silva compass
Fossils
and Expeditions
Geological
Careers...Geologist
Palaeontology is the study of ancient animal and environment records. In Greek Palaeontology means study of ancient life.
Brian Mackness is a Palaeontologist. I E-mailed Brian and asked him why he liked being a palaeontologist. He replied:
"As to why I like being a palaeontologist . . .It's mainly because you get
to be a time detective. The first challenge when you find a bit of an
animal millions of years old is to try and work out what kind of animal it
was in the first place. Then if its new you need to work out where it fits
in the scheme of things. You also have to describe and name it. Really cool
stuff. But perhaps the best thing is that by understanding how different
animals have survived you can help make sure that those animals here today
and be properly conserved."
Personal Requirements
- patience,resilience and determination
- capacity for detailed observation
- an interest in science
- should be physically fit
- be prepared to live in rough condition while on field work
- should be able to draw and write to a fairly high standard
- look for and record geological sites
- organize and carry out field excavations (digs)
- clean,repair,reconstruct fossil records
- photograph or draw fossils both on-site and at base
Palaeontology usually specializes into particular areas. For example may specialize into one period or on one species of animal.