Palaeontologist in Germany

Paleontologists analyze and interpret the remains and traces of extinct organisms (fossils) and use them to draw conclusions about the evolution of living things and the interactions between organisms and the environment. In doing so, they take into account, for example, long-term environmental and climate changes and their effects on animals and plants. They publish the results of their research or prepare them for the public in exhibitions and lectures. At universities, they teach students, prepare lectures and seminars, correct written work and take exams. Independent scientific activities usually only open up after a master's degree and a doctorate. In natural history museums, for example, they look after the collections, design exhibitions and tours. Another area of ​​responsibility is the search for fossil mineral resources, e.g. oil or coal. Here, paleontologists examine drill cores or rock samples for clues about the raw materials.