Paleontologists work to understand extinct organisms. Paleontologists use their creativity to learn about past life. Paleontology blends multiple science disciplines such as geology, biology, chemistry, and more. Paleontology also has a healthy amount of artist contributions; paleoart, which reimagines fossil organisms as living specimens, and museum exhibits require an artistic eye. The ways people can approach paleontology are as diverse as the paleontologists themselves. From hobbyist paleontologists to professors, anyone can be a paleontologist.
Given that paleontology aims to understand all life through time, it is vital that many people with different focuses work together. Science is a collaborative effort after all. Research diversity comes in many forms: ranging from the fossils studied, the type of data the researcher is collecting, and how the researcher interacts with the fossils.
Many people think of a field technician when they think of paleontologists, someone working outdoors excavating fossils from the rock. While fossil excavation is crucial to the science, it is but one part of paleontology. Fossils need to be cleaned of sediment, repaired, and reinforced in a lab setting. Fossils also must be kept safely preserved in a museum exhibit or archival collection. Additionally, fossils must be used for education and research. In order to handle all of these jobs, paleontological organizations are composed of people with differing interests and skill sets.
Paleontological work may seem limited by the fossil specimens available, but truly the main limitation is imagination. Creativity keeps paleontology moving forward. Paleontology always needs more passionate people with fresh ideas and fresh perspectives. We at The Montana Dinosaur Center would love to hear what you are most passionate about in paleontology and what great ideas you have.
Being a Paleontologist: The Basics
