Unearthing a Career: A Guide to Becoming a Paleontologist

Paleontology is the scientific study of life that existed prior to, and sometimes including, the start of the Holocene Epoch (roughly 11,700 years before present). It involves studying fossils to determine organisms' evolution and interactions with each other and their environments. As a historical science, it uses the fossil record to understand processes like evolution, extinction, and past climate change.

Imagine uncovering the fossilized bones of a dinosaur that roamed the Earth millions of years ago, or meticulously analyzing microscopic fossils to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. Paleontology offers the thrill of discovery, combining outdoor fieldwork in potentially remote locations with detailed laboratory analysis. It's a field where you connect the deep past to the present, contributing to our understanding of life's history and the forces that shape it.

Overview of Paleontology

What is Paleontology?

At its core, paleontology is the science of ancient life. Paleontologists use fossil remains—bones, shells, exoskeletons, stone imprints, hair, petrified wood, oil, coal, and DNA remnants—to understand the history of life on Earth. It's not just about dinosaurs; it encompasses all life forms, from single-celled organisms to giant mammals, and the environments they inhabited.