Definition:
(noun) A specialized type of ornithologist who focuses on bird evolution as well as prehistoric and fossil birds. Depending on the exact focus of a paleornithologist's career, they may also work on uncovering connections between modern birds and their reptile or dinosaur ancestors, mapping DNA to determine connections between extinct birds and modern species or determining why bird species may have gone extinct.
Those types of research can help all ornithologists better understand birds' ongoing evolution and what changes may be seen in the future as birds adapt to a changing planet. Other types of research may involve focusing on a specific type of birds in the fossil record, such as seabirds, ducks or passerines.
A paleornithologist works heavily on research and is often employed in a museum or other research institution with a strong wildlife focus. While paleornithology is not a typical degree for undergraduate students, different fields of study can lead to a career as a paleornithologist, including:
- Biology
- Geosciences
- Ornithology
- Paleontology
- Wildlife ecology
- Zoology
As more birds become endangered and are threatened with extinction, the work of paleornithologists can become even more critical to understand what types of adaptations birds are capable of and what can be done to improve bird conservation efforts.
Pronunciation:
PAY-LEEE-ore-nih-THAH-loh-jihst or PAH-lore-nih-THAH-loh-jihst
Also Known As:
Avian Paleontologist, Paleontological Ornithologist
Photo – Bird Fossil © Orin Zebest