From the smallest microorganism
to the giant blue whale,
every living thing is of interest to biologists,
who study the basic principles
of plant and animal life.
Biologists use the scientific method,
testing their ideas or hypotheses
through experimentation,
to investigate questions about
the origin of life, its development,
and the relationships between living things,
as well as a creature’s anatomy
and how it functions in its environment.
Whether they’re working in a lab,
out in the field, or at a university,
biologists collect and analyze biological data,
although the specifics of their research
are as varied as the creatures in nature.
For example, some biologists
may work almost exclusively
with computer models,
while others may spend months
collecting and studying specimens at sea.
Many specialize in working with plants,
animals, or the environment.
Biologists need strong communication skills.
Their work is often as much
about interacting with people and institutions
as it is focusing on DNA or anatomy.
A career in biology generally requires
a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Many biologists attend graduate school
to earn more advanced research positions
or professorships.