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What is a day in the life of a paleontologist?
Most paleontologists spend a lot of time in the field to collect the fossils that they study. Field work can be done anywhere from a remote mountaintop to a local quarry. The rocks are also studied to provide information on the environments that the fossils once lived in.
What is being a paleontologist like?
A paleontologist studies the history and process of evolution by examining fossils, the preserved traces of long dead animals and plants. Paleontologists plan, direct, and conduct fieldwork projects to search for fossils or collect samples.
What do paleontologist usually do on the job?
Paleontologists unearth and study fossils of extinct species of plants and animals. They conduct research on prehistoric life forms and the evolution of plant and animal life. Some paleontologists work on-site, unearthing fossils.
Is a paleontologist job easy or hard?
Paleontology is a difficult discipline to work in, mainly because there aren’t many job prospects. It can be difficult to find a paying job in the field. Many people with paleontology degrees end up doing this as a hobby while working in an environmental firm or oil company.
How much do paleontologist make a year?
These individuals are highly trained scientists who may work within several areas of study within the field of paleontology. Paleontologists can make an average of $90,000 per year and must undergo extensive training in addition to completing a doctorate level of education.
What skills do paleontologist use?
Paleontologists use problem-solving and analysis skills to review their excavated items and make or confirm educated hypotheses. They may also need to use critical thinking skills while applying research to identify probable locations for dig sites and organic artifacts.
What are 2 facts about paleontologists?
Paleontology Facts
- Paleontologists have found fossils on every continent on Earth, even Antarctica.
- Fossilized poop is called a coprolite.
- Over 99\% of all plants and animals that have ever lived on Earth are extinct, so paleontologists will never run out of fossils and species to study!
How much does a paleontologist get paid?
In April 2018, paleontologists earned salaries between $44,042 and $153,193 annually, and your earnings will fall somewhere on this spectrum based on how much experience you have and where you choose to work. Generally, you can expect your salary to rise as you get more experience working as a paleontologist.