Define a Zoologist
Just as a geologist studies rocks and optometrists study eyes, zoologists study wildlife and the environment. By definition, they are experts at animal health and they know a great deal about the conditions animals need to live in for optimal chances at survival. Although they study zoology, these professionals aren't just zoo keepers. They work at many different places including aqauriums, national parks, universities and research institutions, searching for solutions to problems that plague animals and their environments. A passion for animals and for adventure is a prerequisite for work in this field.
Other People Are Reading
-
Education
-
Formal education is recommended for zoologists since they work to solve complex environmental issues, but many colleges and universities do not offer degrees in zoology. Instead, students can choose degree programs in animal biology, marine biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental planning, veterinary studies or any combination of those disciplines. The higher the level of education, the more opportunities a student will have to explore specialized topics in zoology.
Specialty
-
Postgraduate work generally focuses on a person's interests and skills. This is called a specialty. For example, someone who does not enjoy spending time with animals but prefers to study them from a distance might specialize in zoological lab research or teaching zoology as a professor. Likewise, those who study marine biology might take jobs at aquariums rather than desert wildlife parks.
-
Duties
-
A zoologist's duties vary from job to job. Some are responsible for curating crowd-pleasing exhibits at zoos, some perform operations at animal hospitals, some help rescue animals in the face of natural disasters, and others search for undiscovered animal species. The particular industry that a zoologist works in sets standards for job descriptions and duties.
Well Known Zoologists
-
Like many scientists, few zoologists are recognized by the mainstream media for work in their fields. Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter," was a globally acclaimed zoologist and actor. Aside from his show-business career, he ran the Australia Zoo and advocated for the protection and rescue of crocodiles. Another famous zoologist was Charles Darwin. He was an academic and researcher during the 19th century, and he'sbest remembered for his studies of the link between species survival, sociology, genetics and the environment.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
