What are the advantages of becoming a paleontologist?

Answer 1

A few.

Since paleontologists, like many earth scientists, spent a lot of time "in the field" (i.e. outdoors) they are subject to the same kinds of physical dangers that most people are when doing physical activity. Often the locations that they need to get to are in very remote and rugged areas. For example, part of my own work concerns fossils that are located in the Wasatch Mountains and Great Basin areas of Utah, where few non-scientists tend to go; so you are in a remote area with little chance or outside help if you getting into danger.

Because you are exposed to the elements, if you go out unprepared you can get yourself into trouble real quick. In that sense, field work is very similar to backcountry hiking/camping, and I am often prepared to spend a night or two in the middle of nowhere if something were to go wrong. Stuff like changes in weather, unfamiliar terrain, rattlesnakes, your field vehicle breaking down, even falling on a cactus or down old abandoned mine shafts... that's the kind of stuff I tend to be aware of when in the field.

Most paleontologists will bring along at least one field assistant. The field assistant is there primarily to ensure that if the paleontologist gets into trouble, they can go get help. Luckily, with a little bit of common sense and some preparation you can have a pretty safe and enjoyable field experience.

From an academic point of view, there is always the risk that you will not be able to find a job. With a general geology degree there are many jobs available; but if you plan on just teaching Paleontology, or doing pure research, be prepared for a very small and competitive marketplace. Typically geology/paleontology students will focus on one field but take classes in many different aspects of the Earth Sciences as a sort of fall back plan.

Answer 2

Palaeontology does seem like it would be pretty nerdy, but it's fun! In regular life, how many times are you able to dig up bones from ancient animals? Not very many times. When you're a paleontologist, you can help people discover more about dinosaurs and other fossils and animals. You can learn so much from bones. Why might you not be a paleontologist? Well, I heard you don't get a very good salary, but that doesn't mean it's not good!

Answer 3

disadvantages is all the work in laboratory you search for instead out in the field .

Answer 4

You can have a passion for a job! How cool is that? You can get dirty and investigate dinosaurs.