Learn β€’ Anywhere
Rumie logo

When thinking about paleontologists, do images like these come to mind?

A split-screen of the gates opening to Jurassic World and Jurassic Park.

A scene from Jurassic park where three paleontologists look at dinosaurs moving through a jungle.

But...paleontologists study much more than just dinosaurs!

They study past life on Earth based on fossils β€” the remains or traces of ancient life preserved in rocks β€” of all kinds of organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and single-celled organisms.

If you have a passion for all things prehistoric, how about a career as a paleontologist?

Investigating Chicago Pd GIF by Wolf Entertainment

Why do paleontologists study fossils?

Paleontologists study fossils to learn more about extinct and living organisms, for example:

  • an organism's life and environment β€” How long ago did it live? How long did it live for? In what climatic conditions did it live?

  • the behavior of an organism β€” Did it live alone or in groups?

  • how an organism lived β€” What did it eat? Where did it take shelter?

  • the evolution of an organism β€” How did the organism evolve over a period of time? Is it related to any living organism(s) today?

 Fossil GIF. Someone breaks open a rock to find remains of an organism inside.

Did you know?

More than 99 percent of all species that have ever lived on earth are extinct. This means that there is plenty of work ahead for paleontologists in helping us learn about these extinct species! (Source: Sam Noble Museum, "What do paleontologists do?")

So...do paleontologists mainly study fossils?

A folded paper fortune teller game revealing the answers Yes, No, and Maybe

Yes and No!

Paleontology is a broad discipline. There are several areas of study that a paleontologist can choose from. Some examples are:

  • Paleoecology β€” the study of ancient ecosystems and their development over time

  • Paleoclimatology β€” the study of ancient climates

  • Micropaleontology β€”the study of very small fossils

  • Vertebrate paleontology β€” the study of fossils of animals with backbones

  • Invertebrate paleontology β€” the study of fossils of animals without backbones

  • Paleobotany β€”the study of plant fossils

Quiz

True or False: Paleontologists contribute to current climate change research.

Did you know?

Paleontology is an interdisciplinary field that draws from several disciplines such as physics, botany, ecology, chemistry, biology, and geology. (Source: The Princeton Review, "Paleontology")

How do I become a paleontologist?

To become a paleontologist:

  • Take as many math and science classes in high school.

  • Graduate high school with good overall grades.

  • Pursue an undergraduate degree in geology or biology or do a double-major.

  • Pursue an advanced degree focusing on paleontology-related courses (Master's or PhD).

  • You could pursue a Master's degree before a PhD or do a PhD program directly after undergrad. This would depend on the program requirements and personal preferences.

Did you know?

A PhD is required to teach at colleges and universities and for curatorial positions at large museums. (Source: Paleolontoglocial Research Institution, "I want to be a paleontologist! A guide for students")

Where do paleontologists work?

Paleontologists mainly work in colleges and universities as instructors and researchers in different departments based on their area of study. Other employment opportunities include:

Flaticon Icon

Museums

  • care for collections

  • consult on exhibits

  • lead field excursions

  • conduct own research

Flaticon Icon

Government Agencies

  • conduct regional mapping

  • protect fossils on public lands

  • educate the public

Flaticon Icon

Self-employment

Flaticon Icon

Energy Companies

  • fossil identification

  • other projects

Did you know?

John R. Horner, an American paleontologist, was the inspiration for the character of Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park movies. Horner also worked as a paleontology consultant for all Jurassic Park movies. (Source: jurassicpark.fandom.com)

How much do paleontologists earn?

Flaticon IconAverage salary in the United States ranges between $57,547 and $132, 834.

Flaticon IconAverage salary in Canada ranges between $70,433 and $123,894 (CAD).

Is this the right career for you?

Flaticon IconYou'll love it if...

  • you enjoy learning about fossils and past life

  • you enjoy math and science

  • you like learning about and connecting ideas from different fields

  • you like doing research and writing

Flaticon IconLook for another career if...

  • you want to focus on one or few disciplines

  • you're not fond of math and/or science

  • you'd rather find a career in more futuristic professions

Take Action

Ross from Friends saying 'Woohoo!' at a barWould you like to know more about becoming a paleontologist?

License:

This Byte has been authored by

AN

Alisha Navodia

Instructional Designer

English

πŸͺ We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info