In addition to collecting field samples of soil, water, air and other physical factors, the ecologist may sample animal or plant populations. The collected samples are then brought into the laboratory to be identified, cataloged, and further studied. Field and laboratory data are usually entered into a computer for analysis. After analyzing the data, an ecologist may prepare reports and present talks at scientific meetings. Ecologists often achieve career satisfaction by helping us all to better understand and protect Earth's limited resources.
Ecology is a broad field that can accommodate many interests.
To become an ecologist, you should take as much math and science in high school as possible. Be sure to study biology, chemistry, physics, and math such as trigonometry, algebra, and calculus. In addition to general ecology, your undergraduate education should include environmental studies, biological sciences, chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics. Courses in areas of specialization can be taken in graduate school to obtain M.S. and Ph. Ecologists also benefit from a broad undergraduate background that can include geology, natural resource policy, engineering, geography, computer science, and liberal arts.