Job Descriptions for “Scientists” in Dino Quest

Zoologist (Kim Soo)
A zoologist specializes in animal life studies, including the characteristics, classification, behavior, and relationships of animals.  Some zoologists investigate individual parts of animals; other zoologists explore entire populations of animals.  Dian Fossey was a well-known zoologist who studied wild gorillas in Africa for 22 years.  Her work helped educate people on the true nature of gorillas and led to their protection.

Ecologist (Makiah)
An ecologist studies the number and location of plants and animals in a specific environment.  Ecologists explore the dependence of animals or plants on (1) other animals and plants living nearby and (2) non-living factors, such as water, sunlight, temperature, and types of soil.  Dr. Eugene Odum was the most important ecologist of our time, writing the first and only textbook on ecology for ten subsequent years.

Bioengineer (James)
A bioengineer uses technology and science to understand animal design, movement, and the purpose of specialized parts of animals.  Some bioengineers study the potential of advancing individual species; others create computer-based models to explore the movement of animals long past.  Stanford University’s “Pterosaur Replica Project,” engineered a pterosaur model with a 6-ft. wingspan to investigate the flight of this extinct creature.

Academic Paleontologist (Digwell)
A paleontologist researches the forms of life that existed a long, long time ago, primarily by studying fossils.  Some paleontologists do a great deal of research in a laboratory, museum, or university environment.  Dr. Robert Bakker, a famous paleontologist, was on the team of scientists that found the first raptor (Deinonychus).  He is credited with many new theories, such as that some dinosaurs were warm-blooded.

Field Paleontologist (Sanchez) 
A paleontologist researches the forms of life that existed a long, long time ago, primarily by studying fossils.  Some paleontologists spend much of their time outdoors digging up fossils and preparing them for transportation to places where further research can occur.  Dr. John Horner, a world-renown paleontologist, helped discover and name the Maiasaura, “Good Mother Lizards,” upon finding its fossilized eggs.  Horner was Spielberg’s consultant for “Jurassic Park.”