An animal biologist is a person who studies animal life. Many of these scientists specialize in researching and analyzing the habitats and characteristics of particular animals within the different branches of zoology. For example, a cetologist is an expert on all aspects of a marine mammal's life such as the origin, environment, population, behaviors, health and life cycle of the humpback whale. Animal biologists are also commonly referred to as zoologists and wildlife biologists. Show
Animal Biologist Education RequirementsThe minimum education required for an entry-level animal biologist position is a bachelor's degree, and common majors include zoology, wildlife biology and ecology. Students can expect to take classes in ecology, chemistry, botany, anatomy, cellular biology, physics and wildlife management. Field experience and laboratory experiments are another important component of training. Undergraduate majors considering careers in this field may find inspiration reading biographies of famous zoologists such as Charles Darwin and Jane Goodall. According to the Wildlife Society, a bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions such as wildlife technician, wildlife community eductor and conservation officers. However, a master's degree is usually preferred by most employers, especially for the more advanced positions within the field. In addition, independent research and teaching positions will often require a Ph.D. Areas of SpecializationMany animal biologists choose to specialize in a particular field of study. These specialties generally fall into three groups. The first includes biologists who focus on certain types of animals. For example, mammologists study mammals, herpetologists study amphibians and reptiles and ichthyologists study fish. The second group includes biologists who focus on habitats. Marine biologists study organisms living in saltwater and limnologists focus on organisms in freshwater. The last group studies particular aspects of biology, such as evolution or animal behavior. Examples include ecologists, who study the ecosystem, and evolutionary biologists, who focus on evolutionary and genetic changes in animals. Animal Biologist Job DutiesTypical job duties for a scientist that studies animals include observing wildlife in their natural environment, gathering and analyzing statistical data, conducting experimental studies and making recommendations. Most animal biologists tend to work on teams that include other scientists, researchers and technicians. One example of a project that wildlife biologists may work on is analyzing migration patterns or the consequences of prolonged pollution exposure on a particular species. Another example is documenting certain predator and prey relationships. Animal Biologist Salary and Growth TrendAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, employment of zoologists and animal biologists is expected to grow about 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is considered slower than average. Opportunities will fluctuate with the future budget situation of many government agencies such as the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As of May 2020, the median annual income for biologists was $66,350. The lowest 10 percent in the field fell below $41,720, and the top 10 percent in the field exceeded $106,320. Cite A person who specializes in the study of animals is called a zoologist. Zoologists who study certain kinds of animals have their own names.
The world's wildlife is increasingly stressed by human activity. Farming and development have led to habitat loss. Animals are contending with toxic pollutants in their environments, and will be facing threats from climate change. Scientists say we're in the 6th great planetary extinction, called the “Holocene Extinction” - the extinction of the human era. This predicament has made zoologists more important than ever. Zoologists study the physiology of animals, their behavior, and how they interact with other species and their environments. Their knowledge is critical to preserving important habitats and managing wildlife's adaptations to climate change. What Does a Zoologist Do?Zoology is the study of animals and their behavior. Zoologists may study a particular species or group of species, either in the wild or in captivity. Zoologists study animals and their interactions with ecosystems. They study their physical characteristics, diets, behaviors, and the impacts humans have on them. They study all kinds of animals, both in their natural habitats and in captivity in zoos and aquariums. They may specialize in studying a particular animal or animal group. Zoologists may be involved in a wide variety of duties in various environments. For example they may observe and study animals in their natural environments, or plan and conduct experiments involving animals in nature, in zoos, or in other controlled areas. They may also collect biological specimens and measure physical characteristics. These studies are generally aimed at investigating animal behavior, migration, interactions with other species, and reproduction, as well as the pests, diseases, toxins, and habitat changes that affect them. They use the information they gather to monitor and estimate populations, address invasive species and other threats, control disease, manage hunting programs, and develop conservation plans. They also write reports and journal articles and give presentations to share their findings. Zoologists also use geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) to track the movements of animals and map their habitat ranges. They also use modeling software to project future scenarios, such as habitat range changes due to climate change. Their efforts are critical to protecting endangered species and other wildlife from the pressures of habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and climate change. Where Does a Zoologist Work?Some zoologists work for zoos, wildlife centers, wildlife parks, and aquariums, where they manage the animals' care, their distribution, and their enclosures. They may also help breeding programs restore wild populations. Zoologists also work for wildlife conservation groups, where they may help rehabilitate and release animals, plan conservation and ecotourism initiatives involving local communities, or lobby governments on policy. Other zoologists research new vermin control drugs or veterinary medicines for pharmaceutical companies. Some work as museum curators, where they manage specimens, conduct research, and educate the public. Others are faculty members in academia. Zoologists work in offices and laboratories. Some like Jane Goodall or Diane Fossey spend much of their time outdoors studying animals in their natural habitats, which may be quite remote. While travel can be a significant perk, this type of work can also be strenuous and isolating. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2012, most zoologists and wildlife biologists (34%) were employed in state government. 24% were employed by the federal government. Another 10% worked in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. 7% worked in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, and 6% worked for state colleges, universities, and professional schools. 4% were employed by local government. Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours when doing fieldwork, and those studying nocturnal animals may need to work at night. What Is the Average Zoologist Salary?As of May 2020, the median salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $66,350. At $81,530, those in the federal government earned the highest median salary. They were followed by zoologists employed in research and development ($71,300) and management, scientific, and technical consulting services ($69,490).* Zoology Jobs & Job DescriptionDuties vary significantly from job to job, but the following list includes typical job duties one might encounter as a zoologist:
Senior zoologists will likely be offered the role of team lead at some point in their career. Some of the additional tasks that accompany this tier-2 position are:
What Is the Job Demand for Zoologists?Jobs for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected to grow 5% between 2020 and 2030, which is slower than average for all occupations.* Retirements will open up some opportunities in this field. However, government budgets will govern demand for zoology jobs in the public sector. Competition for jobs is very strong. Candidates with practical experience gained through volunteer work for zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and nonprofit organizations will have the best opportunities. How Do I Get a Zoology Degree?Entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Zoologists typically earn degrees in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or general biology. Coursework often includes classes on animal behavior and physiology, parasitology, virology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistical software. Students may also take courses in a particular area of specialty. Research and faculty positions require
a Ph.D. What Are the Different Branches of Zoology?Many zoologists dedicate their careers to studying a particular species or animal group. For example:
Other Degrees Related to ZoologyWhat Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Zoologists Have?
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*2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for zoologists and wildlife biologists reflect national data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2021. What do you call a person who study animals?A zoologist is a scientist who studies animals. Zoologists are experts on everything about animals, from their cells to the history of their evolution.
Who studies animals and the way they interact with their environment?Ecology is the study of organisms and how they interact with the environment around them. An ecologist studies the relationship between living things and their habitats.
What are the 7 types of scientists?What are the different scientist types?. Physical sciences. Physical sciences involve the study of energy and matter in inanimate, natural objects and the laws surrounding them. ... . Earth sciences. ... . Life sciences. ... . Astronomer.. Botanist.. Chemist.. Geneticist.. Marine biologist.. What is someone who studies plants and animals?A biologist whose interest lies primarily in the study of plants or animals can be called a naturalist, although these days it's more likely she'll be called a natural historian, a botanist, or a zoologist.
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