- Many zoologists spend a great deal of their time in laboratories doing research on everything from animal genetics to the effect of environmental pollutants on certain species. To be a zoologist you may need to learn to handle both basic scientific instruments such a microscope, and very complex scientific instruments, like DNA synthesizers.
- Zoology also involves observational work, in both zoos and the wild. You will use binoculars to study animals from a distance and various kinds of visual and audio recording devices to capture sounds and behaviors for later study. For instance, marine biologists record whale calls. In order to study animals up close you will need to be able to use traps, nets and tranquilizer guns on occasion. Other types of field work include collecting samples from the air, plants and earth around the animals for analysis; each one requires its own specific equipment which will need to be used and handled properly.
- Every profession seems to have found its own way to make use of computer technology and zoology is no exception. Computers are good at analyzing large amounts of data, and in this case the data would be the many observations you make about the animals you are studying. You may learn how to use sophisticated programs that are designed to help you track and understand animal behavior. You will also be likely to make extensive use of GPS systems, to keep track of both where you are and where all the animals you are watching are. GPS can, for instance, help you to learn about the migratory patterns of a particular species.
- Another aspect of studying animals is understanding their insides. As a zoologist you will very often have to dissect animals, both in the laboratory and the field. One reason you may do this is to find out what caused a particular animal to die. You will need to handle scalpels, scissors and tweezers. There are also special chemicals for cleaning and preserving dead animals, as well as other chemicals for anesthetizing live ones.
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