Careers in Animal Ecology

Animal ecology is the study of animals and how they relate to their environment. Scientists and researchers study the behavior of animals in their environments; for instance an animal ecology researcher of birds would focus their studies on their behavior, reproduction and parenting, dispersal and migration. They would study how birds of different species live in the same areas, and how they interact with each other.

Animal ecology researchers that study marine life will focus on marine plants and animals and how they interact with each other and their environment. Many marine animals and plants live in symbiotic relationships, meaning that they benefit from their relationship with each other. Marine animals and plants also have symbiotic relationships; for instance the Pompeii Worm lives within the tubes of the hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean. The worm is able to flourish within the extreme heat of the hydrothermal vents due to the bacteria that lives on it's back. The bacteria have a symbiotic relationship with the worm which gives the worm a protective fleece-like coat. Another marine animal, the squid has a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms that produce light. The squid can scare away predators by firing off intense light from the bacteria. The bacteria are luminous and the squid can light up at will.

People that are interested in careers in animal ecology have a vast array of areas in which to work. Whether it has to do with birds, pets in the veterinary field, exotic animals in a zoo, wildlife, or marine life, there is a course of study for you. There is a career for you. As for your education, you may need to have a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Some career choices may require degrees as high as a Master's degree or a Ph. D., depending on the field of work you have chosen. Men and women who are trained in the field of animal ecology are also trained in the fields of biology, zoology, anthropology and sociology.

If you are interested in a career in animal ecology, you might want to become a teacher. Most universities require a Ph. D, but many smaller colleges require a Master's degree. If you want to teach in high school you may be able to teach animal ecology with a Bachelor's degree. Teaching is one of the most competitive jobs for animal ecology, because students training in veterinary medicine, animal science, animal conservation and other fields of study will be taught the concepts of animal ecology.

You may not want to teach; you may just want a career working with animals. You might want to work for a veterinarian as a veterinary assistant. You might want to be a care taker at a zoo. Whatever career you want to pursue in the field you may have to be certified through programs associated with animal ecology. For more information you can do a search on the Internet, or visit your local library.