Botanist
Botanists study the biology of all types of plants to increase scientific knowledge and apply this knowledge in areas such as conservation and management of natural resources, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, medicine and biotechnology.
Botanists may perform the following tasks:
- investigate the effects of environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography (surface features) and disease on plant growth
- grow plants under controlled conditions to assess the significance of environmental and genetic variables
- study the genetics of plants using biochemical and molecular techniques in a laboratory in order to determine the patterns of plant evolution
- study the nature and occurrence of plant chromosomes, cells and tissues
- prepare scientific reports and papers
- work with other scientists to develop medicines and other products from plants
- search for and classify new species of plants and identify plant specimens
- prepare handbooks for plant identification
- use computers for information storage and for analysis of data.
Specialisations:
Marine Botanist
A marine botanist studies marine plants and related underwater environments.
Plant Ecologist
A plant ecologist studies the relationships between plants and their environment. This may include investigations into the effects of rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, terrain, animals, pollution and diseases on plant types and their distribution.
Plant Pathologist
A plant pathologist studies the effects of diseases that are harmful to crop growth and assists in developing methods to control them.
Plant Physiologist
A plant physiologist studies internal plant functions and their chemical basis to learn how they grow, process nutrients and reproduce.
Plant Taxonomist
A plant taxonomist studies and documents the diversity in plant life and develops classifications reflecting evolutionary relationships between different plant groups and species.
Botanists work in laboratories, offices and in the field, alone or with other life scientists. They may work irregular hours and live in remote areas when carrying out research.
Botanists may carry out fieldwork to collect and document plant species and numbers in particular areas. They may be approached to advise on environmental and management issues and possible courses of action.
Personal Requirements:
- interested in plants and research
- analytical skills
- aptitude for working with computers
- patience
- enjoy working outdoors
- able to work independently or as part of a team.
Related Jobs:
- Agricultural Scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Horticultural Tradesperson
- Life Scientist
- Marine Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Toxicologist
- Viticulturalist
Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information
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