Palaeontologist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Palaeontologist Do?
Palaeontologists research and analyse forms of life that existed in ancient eras of the planet Earth. They strive to define the evolutionary path and the interaction with different geological areas of all kinds of once organisms and such plants, pollen and spores, invertebrate and vertebrate animals, humans, traces such as footprints, and ecology and climate.
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Where Do I Start?
Geographic Information Systems
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Palaeontologist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialGeographic Information Systems knowledge
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Recommended Books
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EssentialPaleontology knowledge
The field of science that studies fossils' ecologies, their evolution and interaction with other organisms, and the environment during period beginning approximately 11,700 years ago up to the present.
Recommended Books
4 booksHandbook of Paleontology for Beginners and Amateurs ..; 1
What Do Paleontologists Do? -
EssentialScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
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EssentialGeology knowledge
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialScientific Modelling knowledge
Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialGeological Time Scale knowledge
System of chronological measurement dividing geologic history into several temporal divisions and subdivisions that take ancient life, geography, and climates into account.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Geographic Information Systems skill
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
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EssentialWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 23 displayed)
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OptionalBotany knowledge
The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
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OptionalGeophysics knowledge
The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, …
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalBiology knowledge
Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalChemistry knowledge
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAnalyse Experimental Laboratory Data skill
Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Statistical Analysis Techniques skill
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Samples For Analysis skill
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Field Work skill
Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Theories skill
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalGather Experimental Data skill
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterpret Geophysical Data skill
Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Scientific Measuring Equipment skill
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Laboratory Tests skill
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRecord Test Data skill
Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork Ergonomically skill
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Research Proposals skill
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssemble Fossils skill
Reassemble the skeletal structure of dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, and other fossils by comparing them to existing fossils.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Geochemical Research skill
Conduct both theoretical and applied geochemical and geological research.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExamine Geochemical Samples skill
Analyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such as minerals, rock or soil.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExcavate Fossils skill
Dig up prehistoric remains of animals and plants using specialised tools such as hand picks, brushes, and shovels.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalIdentify Fossils skill
Classify fossils by examining their age through radiometric dating and compare them to identified fossils in order to discover their environment, diet, and skeletal structure.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLocate Fossils skill
Determine the location of fossils using radar scanners and other equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOversee Excavation skill
Oversee the excavation of fossils and other archaeological evidence at dig sites, ensuring conformity with standards and regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.