A Paleontologist Lifestyle
Learn all about Paleontology with three simple paragraphs
Designed by Shannon Patrick
How do they do it?
Paleontology is generally known for its finding of dinosaur fossils. You probably wonder how you get lucky enough to stumble apon the bones of a dinosaur. The process is certainly no without effort and requires a lot of work. Palentologists spend weeks, months, even years, out in the hot sun not knowing what or even if they will find anything. Using small tools, the scientists must carefully dig up the remains of what used to be a dinosaur. They are very frail and delicate. Keeping everything all in one piece can raise the price of the fossil so it is essential to be as careful as possible.
What do they use?
Taking down rocks in Paleontology requires shovels and picks. When they get close to the bones they have to use a rock hammer. When they get even closer, they use a digging knife. Which is about the size of a regular kitchen knife. Then, a smaller knife. This knife is called an ex-acto knife. You use a paintbrush to keep the area clean, and usually glues to stabilize the bone. When they take the bone out of the ground, immideately they must cover it with a plaster jacket. A lot like when repairing a broken human bone.
What is Required?
In order to apply for this job, you would have to have the college backround of a double-major in Biology and Geology. You would need to be bilingual in other languages like German, French, or Russian, and a full year for both Chemistry and Physics. Also a full year in Mathematics, which includes calculus. For those who are reading this and are not yet overwhelmed, you would also have to obtain a MS or "Masters" degree which takes about two to three years of education and a PhD or "Doctoral" degree which can take about four to six years of education; but it deffinately pays off. The annual salary of a Paleontologist is about $93,380. Monthly, it is $7,782 and hourly it is about $45.
Oregon, U.S.
Paleontologist at work
Germany, Bromacker
Examining the remains of an ancient herbivorous reptile
Antarctica
Searching for clues of the past