Are you a person who loves animals? Do you like studying about animals’ behaviors and about how they live? Then you might want to consider becoming a Zoologist. Zoologists work with animals either in nature, or labs, depending on their work. Read on to know all the details about what zoologists do, and how you could become one.
What do Zoologists do?
A zoologist is a professional who examines the behavior, features, and evolution of various animal species. They are responsible for improving the animal kingdom’s quality of life, preserving it, and protecting it from any threats. Zoologists can select from a variety of career jobs and work in a variety of industries depending on their area of interest and talents. They also perform research and experimentation in collaboration with scientists in laboratories and research facilities on a variety of animal-related topics
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of Zoologists include –
- Investigating animals in captivity or in their natural habitat.
- Carrying out laboratory and/or field studies
- Collection, storage, and preparation of collected specimens for study and analysis
- Identification, recording and monitoring of animal species
- Managing huge data sets and applying software for statistical purposes
- Using software for modelling to forecast situations such as habitat changes or population numbers
- Writing and reviewing scientific reports
- Managing the care, transportation and locking of animals
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- Restoring and releasing animals into their natural habitat
- Detecting, monitoring and addressing threats like invasive species
- Using software or devices, such as GIS, global positioning systems, sonographic, terrestrial locomotive activity monitoring systems, and video recording systems for tracking animals under observation
- Staying up to date with the latest research, rules, and regulations
- Teaching research centres or at field
- Educating members of general public about wildlife
- Supervising volunteers and/ or assistant.
What are some specializations of zoologists?
Zoologists have an option to choose to study from a wide range of subjects to specialize in. Some specialized roles include, but not limited to –
Animal Scientist – A person who performs study and experiments on the quality of animal life, animal nutrition, chemical and biological processes in the animal body is known as an animal scientist. An animal scientist usually has a master’s degree in zoology or a PhD is generally considered for the position. they work in the field of research and development and apply their expertise and abilities to animal-related experiments.
Animal Biologist – An animal biologist investigates animal physiology and the disease that are linked with a specific species of animal, as well as the impact of environmental factors. They are in charge of conducting experiments, collecting data, and proposing solutions. In laboratories or research centres, an Animal Biologists collaborate with a team of scientists and researchers belonging to different fields.
Which Skill Should You Master?
Marine biologists – Marine biologists are scientists that study the animals that live in the water. A marine biologist’s job is to research marine animal life and its features. They also investigate microbes in laboratories through experimentation and research. Their goal is to conserve and manage marine creatures as well as the environment’s influence on them.
Entomologists – Entomologists are zoologists who study insects and their features. They are in charge of performing tests and learning about the chemical and physiological makeup of insects. They investigate the relevance of various insect species in tests and their industrial uses for the manufacture of certain products and items.
What qualifications are required to become a Zoologist?
Science stream with Biology, Chemistry and Physics is mandatory at 10+2 level. After this, you could apply for a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. For better opportunities, it is advised to continue with a post-graduation (M. Sc.) in Zoology as well. To apply for research positions as a JRF (Junior Research Fellow), or research associate, you need to clear national exams like CSIR, or UGC. The valid score of these exams can be used for applying for a Ph. D. A doctorial degree is needed for positions in academia.
What sectors are Zoologists employed in?
Some of the major sectors that Zoologists are employed in are –
- Forestry Department
- Marine industries
- Veterinary product Manufacturing Industries
- Research and Development (R&D) Laboratories
- Education Sector
Nature’s fauna still has so many more secrets to unravel. Becoming a Zoologist, you not just help in doing that but are working towards a better understanding of the diverse animal species of the world and how we could peacefully co-exist with them.
