Deep beneath the sea, hidden from human eyes for over 2,000 years, scientists
discover an ancient shipwreck. Remnants and scraps are all that remain of
the 5th century BC vessel, but they're enough to learn about the ship and
the era in which it sailed.
Paleobotanists and palynologists carefully examine pieces of large, earthen
vases used to transport cargo aboard the ship and find the clues they need.
Fossilized pollen and seeds, clinging to the inside of the containers, unlock
the mystery of what cargo the ship carried. The fossils even provide a travelog
of ports she visited while in service.
Paleobotanists and palynologists are detectives in the truest sense of
the word. While they piece together the events of history to give us a glimpse
of life in ancient worlds, they also address problems and questions facing
us today.
Paleobotanists study relatively large fossil plant remnants, or macro-remains,
such as seeds. Palynologists study microscopic plant fossils, or micro-remains,
such as pollen and spores.
Paleobotanists are often divided into two specialties. The first group
specializes in the study of past environments. Their subspecialties include:
- Paleoclimatology -- the examination of the past climate to restructure
past ecosystems
- Paleoecology -- the study of ancient environments and their relationship
to ancient humans and animals
- Paleoceanography -- the study of ancient oceans
The second group concentrates on identifying the origin of specific plants
and studying their evolution. These scientists are known as systematic paleobotanists
and often specialize in a plant, type of organ (fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers),
or the age of plants they research.
Palynologists are also divided into two specialties: those studying plant
microfossils and those studying modern forms of pollen and spores. Palynologists
studying microfossils often specialize in stratigraphic palynology or quaternary
palynology:
Stratigraphic palynology is the study of pollen in rocks more than
100,000 years old to understand past environments or to locate oil. Quaternary
palynology is the study of pollen from the last two million years to understand
how plants and forests reacted to changing climates.
Palynologists and paleobotanists are often able to find career opportunities
in universities, museums or national parks, or as self-employed consultants.
The oil, gas and coal industries used to be significant employers of palynologists,
but these opportunities have been greatly reduced in favor of contracted consultants.
"Academia rules the roost these days for paleobotanists," says Bruce Tiffany,
professor of geological sciences at the University of California at Santa
Barbara.
"We generally don't get hired as paleobotanists, but rather as plant systematists,
morphologists or anatomists. There is one minor exception -- museums will
hire paleobotanists if they have a big fossil plant collection."
Academia, in general, can be very flexible, says Nan Arens, who is an assistant
professor in the department of integrative biology at the University of California
and curator of fossil plants at the university's Museum of Paleontology.
"It's very demanding and stressful, but one has a lot of flexibility to
accommodate individual needs and preferences in the workplace."
One thing is certain, though: scientists never keep conventional hours.
"This is definitely not a 9-to-5 job," says paleoenvironmentalist and adjunct
professor Alwynne Beaudoin.
"I work practically every evening and most weekends. When not writing papers,
entering and analyzing data, or drafting diagrams, I'm trying to keep up with
the mountains of literature produced in this field every month."
Most paleobotanists and palynologists have teaching, museum, administrative
and public service responsibilities. Since academic positions are highly competitive,
candidates must be proficient in each one of these areas to stand apart from
the crowd. Specific obligations vary by position, but can include the following
responsibilities:
- Participating in one to 12 weeks of fieldwork collecting fossils
- Preparing and cataloging fossils in the lab
- Preparing and delivering undergraduate student lectures
- Writing laboratory manuals and preparing lab exercises
- Mentoring graduate students
- Participating in university and departmental committees
- Writing papers for publication in professional journals
- Writing proposals to obtain funds for continuing research projects or
new ones
- Participating in community outreach programs
There aren't any physical requirements for the administrative and teaching
responsibilities associated with these positions. However, since much of the
laboratory analysis involves the use of microscopes, poor or impaired vision
might be a disadvantage. Additionally, lifting heavy specimens associated
with fossil collections and exhibits can be physically taxing.
Fieldwork can be tremendously demanding. Hauling heavy packs of equipment
and rocks over treacherous terrain often limits the type of field research
a paleobotanist or palynologist does.
"Of course, these aren't requirements of the job," says Arens. "I can work
in difficult field areas because I'm strong enough to do so. There are many
easier options, but in general, most require some strength and agility."