Interesting facts about zoologists

Imaginary interesting facts about zoologists
 

Zoologists are the only people in the world who study animals and then dissect them to learn more about their biology, behavior, and physiology. They also do this for a living!

They're really good at it too. Zoologists have been studying animals since the beginning of time. The first fossils were found by an amateur paleontologist named John Smith in 1792. Since then, they've discovered over 200 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Zoologists use a variety of different methods to study animals, from fieldwork to experiments in the lab.

For example, they'll study the plant and animal life in an area, how the animals behave and their population numbers. They might also collect samples from the animals they observe and take notes on their behavior, food preferences, habitat and other information that can help them identify and classify new species.

They use many different tools and techniques to study animals too. They might trap creatures, keep them in captivity and study them closely, taking blood or tissue samples and measuring body parts. They might use physical techniques such as dissection to examine the insides of animals and determine things like their reproductive organs organs and digestive systems, or they might use more techniques such as radiology or microbiology to analyze samples or examine animals under a microscope to see their cells or bacteria.
Most zoologists work in the field in some capacity, whether that's collecting data and specimens in the wild or doing experiments in an animal testing facility. Some work in zoos as animal keepers, researchers or in other roles.

Zoologists have a variety of specializations. Some study evolutionary history and anatomy, focusing on particular groups like mammals or birds. Others study the behavior and ecology of particular animals or how animals and humans relate to each other, focusing for example on human-animal interactions or human-plant interactions.

Most zoologists work independently or in smaller specialty groups. They're self-employed or work as consultants. Those who work for organizations may have full-time or part-time jobs.

While Zoologists collect and analyze data to answer scientific questions, many are also interested in promoting conservation and environmental awareness through their work. Some work to protect threatened species and their natural habitats, while others use their skills to help people with wildlife problems like attacking animals or pest control.
Zoologists need good communication skills. They may give lectures or give tours to the public and write abstracts and articles describing their research. They also need to be able to work well with other professionals such as veterinarians or conservationists.

Many zoologists work alone, but it's typical for them to work in teams of two or more.

Zoologists need to be adaptable. They're often called on to help out with research at other institutions or in the field. They need to be able to work independently if they're called on to do so.

Most zoologists need good physical condition. They spend a lot of time in the field, and may need to lift heavy specimens or participate in field work. They also often give lectures or give tours to the public, and Zoologists spend a lot of their time talking with people or in conference rooms.

Zoologists need to be self-motivated and need to enjoy working on their own. They also need good customer service skills, since they often work with the public and other professionals. Zoologists must be organized, since they'll have to log their observations and specimens, keep up on the literature, and organize their data.

Most zoologists work full time or part time. A few work in a traditional office setting.

The median annual wage for zoologists was $52,200 in May 2015. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,800, while the top 10 percent earned more than $79,000.

Most zoologists work independently, though some work for zoos or private companies that study animals or perform consulting work.

Zoologists need to have car or truck driving skills and some need to know how to operate a boat. They also need good communication skills, since they often give tours to the public or work in public settings. Zoologists may be called on to do TV, radio or newspaper interviews.

While zoologists may be self-employed, most work as employees for consulting companies, schools or other research facilities. Zoologists may also do government-contract work for environmental or agricultural research and development.

Zoologists need to be able to lift and move heavy objects on a frequent basis. They also need to be able to participate in the activities that they study, such as climbing trees or riding horses.

Zoologists usually work in a laboratory or in the field, though some do both. They also need to be able to deal with inclement weather such as rain or cold.

The median age for zoologists is 46. While the overall population is aging, the field still has a high proportion of people under the age of 40.

Many colleges and universities offer programs in zoology. There are also high schools and vocational schools that offer programs in zoology, and students can also pursue a degree in zoology by earning a certificate or an associate's degree, which usually takes less time.
Most zoologists work in a lab or in the field, but some do both. They must be able to deal with stressful situations that may arise during their work, such as an aggressive animal.

Although zoologists need to have a knowledge of biology, some of the general requirements that most zoologists need are:

One can break down zoology into many sub-disciplines. These sub-disciplines include ornithology, ichthyology, mammalogy, herpetology, entomology and yes...even bumblebee science.
Though not a true sub-discipline of zoology, many still reference the works of Carl Linnaeus when naming and classifying animals. His works include the Systema Naturae, the Genus, Species, and Subspecies.

While working with animals, zoologists can become diseased themselves. Most dangerous are diseases that affect the blood. Common blood diseases in animals include malaria, canine distemper and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Zoologists need to be able to react appropriately when threatened. These include physical violence and running away, but zoologists also need to know how to escape via vehicle in case of a pursuit. Zoologists should also be able to use non-violent means, such as distraction and manipulation, to escape a dangerous situation.

Most zoologists need at least some formal training in first aid. Depending on the type of job, one may be able to get by without it, but it is always a good idea to be prepared. Some animals, most notably snakes and some large insects, are poisonous or venomous. If one is stung or bitten by such an animal, they will require immediate attention in a medical facility.

Zoologists work in a variety of conditions, both interior and exterior. The work requires special clothing, which may or may not include suitable gloves, boots and a protective suit. Work may or may not be performed at night, in all types of weather. One may be required to work alone or in a group, and will usually be sent out on assignments alone or in pairs.

The work requires long periods of concentration and usually involves working closely with animals and their environments. One must be skilled in reading an animal's behavior in order to predict its next move or even understand the animal's language.

While some people find studying wildlife and other animals to be boring, others (such as myself) find it fascinating. I suppose it all depends on your own attitude. You must also be prepared to spend a large amount of time alone, as one can expect to spend a lot of time away from other people in general.

Most of the time, zoologists don't really need to concern themselves with interacting with other people directly, but now and then they do. They must learn to handle people in a professional manner, which may include defusing potentially explosive situations. They must also learn to handle groups of people, which may include keeping an audience's attention on them while keeping them from tearing each other's throats out. They must also be able to deal with people who are yelling at them or even threatening them.

The job also involves a certain amount of danger. Zoologists may be attacked by animals, stricken by disease or injured in accidents. In addition, one can never be sure of the future. Things may be looking up for you now, but who knows what the future holds?

Above all else, zoologists must maintain their sense of humor as most interesting facts about zoologists are fabricated.