How to Be Taphonomist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 6, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Taphonomists study the processes and effects of natural decay on existing organisms and their remains. They are responsible for understanding how environment, climate, and other factors influence the transformation of an organism after death. Taphonomic processes, such as decomposition, scavenging, and erosion, cause dramatic changes in an organism over time, leading to a variety of taphonomic effects.

These effects include the introduction of new elements, the breakdown of existing organic molecules, and the reorganization of skeletal elements. Taphonomists use various methods to analyze and interpret these changes, such as morphological analysis, radiometric dating, and chemical analysis. These methods help us to better understand the processes of natural decay and the history of an organism's remains.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Taphonomists typically hold a bachelor's degree in anthropology, biology, geology, or a related field. Though some employers may accept an associate's degree, most prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree.
Gain Experience and Knowledge. Most taphonomists gain valuable experience prior to entering the field. Most taphonomists have worked in a laboratory or field setting and have experience with fossil collections. They also have knowledge of excavation techniques, stratigraphic analysis, and radiometric dating.
Attend Graduate School. Most taphonomists earn a master's degree or doctorate in anthropology, biology, geology, or a related field. During graduate school, students may gain experience in laboratory and field studies, as well as further their knowledge of taphonomy.
Obtain Employment. Taphonomists can find employment in academia, museums, or research institutions. They may also find employment in government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
Stay Informed. To stay abreast of new developments in the field, taphonomists may attend conferences and seminars, read scientific journals, and join professional organizations.

As a taphonomist, it is important to stay up-to-date and competent in the field of paleontology. To do so, one must continuously engage in professional development initiatives such as attending conferences and workshops, reading the latest research and literature, and networking with fellow professionals. regularly participating in fieldwork activities to gain a better understanding of the processes of fossilization can be beneficial.

Furthermore, collaborating with experts from other related scientific fields such as geology, biology, and chemistry can further expand ones knowledge base. Finally, taking advantage of available online resources and courses can help sharpen skills needed to effectively interpret and analyze taphonomic data. By engaging in these activities, a taphonomist can stay informed and remain competent in the field of paleontology.

You may want to check Fossil Preparator, Geologic Mapper, and Cave Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Archaeobotanist
Archaeozoologist
Forensic Anthropologist
Bioarchaeologist
Paleontologist
Forensic Entomologist
Forensic Odontologist
Archaeological Chemist
Skeletal Analyst
Forensic Pathologist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy
Ability to interpret fossiliferous sedimentary deposits and trace fossil assemblages
Understanding of the principles and techniques of taphonomic analysis and field-based paleontology
Knowledge of skeletal anatomy and comparative anatomy of different vertebrate groups
Ability to identify, describe, and interpret fossil specimens
Knowledge of the principles of evolutionary biology, population genetics, and phylogenetics
Understanding of basic statistical concepts and methods
Skilled in the use of computer applications for data analysis
Experience with laboratory techniques such as thin section preparation, sediment sampling, and laboratory taphonomy
Ability to effectively communicate findings through written reports, presentations, and publications

Taphonomists are scientists who study the changes that occur to organisms after death. This includes studying the decomposition processes and their effects on the environment. One of the most important skills for a taphonomist to have is the ability to observe and interpret the evidence of change over time.

This includes being able to recognize and understand the processes of decay, sedimentation, and fossilization. A taphonomist must also be able to examine and analyze existing organisms and specimens in order to determine the cause of death and environmental factors that may have influenced its preservation. the ability to accurately interpret and apply data from laboratory and field experiments is essential for understanding how organisms are affected by their environment.

With these skills, a taphonomist can provide valuable insight into how organisms live, how they die, and how the environment can influence their preservation and fossilization.

Geothermal Specialist, Invertebrate Paleontologist, and Paleobotanist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of taphonomy?
How would you describe your approach to analyzing and interpreting taphonomic data?
What specific techniques or methods do you use to identify and analyze fossils?
How do you ensure that your taphonomic data is accurate and reliable?
What strategies do you employ to identify and interpret taphonomic trends?
Can you explain how you deal with the ethical and legal considerations related to taphonomy?
How do you keep up to date with new developments in the field of taphonomy?
How do you effectively communicate complex taphonomic concepts to a non-technical audience?
What skills do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for this position?
What resources do you use to stay current on the latest taphonomic research?

Common Tools in Industry

Bone saw. Used to cut through bones. (Eg: Used to cut through a deer's femur for further study. )
Dental pick. Used to pick apart objects for further study. (Eg: Used to pick apart a bird's nest for further analysis. )
Screen sifter. Used to separate objects from soil or sediment. (Eg: Used to separate bones from dirt in an archaeological site. )
Photomacrography camera. Used to take close-up photographs of small objects. (Eg: Used to take a detailed photograph of a fossilized mollusk shell. )
Scanning electron microscope. Used to examine the surface of an object at a microscopic level. (Eg: Used to examine the grooves and ridges on a fossilized insect's exoskeleton. )
Trowel. Used to dig and shovel soil and sediment. (Eg: Used to excavate a soil layer containing ancient artifacts. )
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. Used to measure the elemental composition of an object. (Eg: Used to measure the amount of iron present in a fossilized bone. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Paleontological Society
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
American Quaternary Association
International Palaeontological Association
Society of Paleontologists and Stratigraphists
Association of Applied Paleontologists
Geological Society of America
Paleontological Research Institution
Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists
International Association for Plant Taxonomy

We also have Planetary Scientist, Vertebrate Paleontologist, and Stratigraphic Modeler jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Fossils. The remains or impressions of a living organism preserved in the Earth's crust.
Taphonomy. The study of the processes of decay and fossilization of organisms.
Paleontology. The scientific study of the history of life on Earth, based on fossils and other evidence.
Biostratigraphy. The study of the geological strata and their associated fossils.
Stratigraphy. The study of the sequence of layers of rock, soil, and other materials in the Earth's crust.
Sedimentology. The study of sedimentary rocks and processes associated with their formation and deposition.
Geochronology. The study of the age of rocks, soils, and other materials in the Earth's crust.
Paleoecology. The study of past environments and the organisms that lived in them.
Paleobiology. The scientific study of ancient life forms, based on fossil evidence.
Paleoanthropology. The study of human evolution, based on fossil evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Taphonomist?

A Taphonomist is a scientist who studies the processes of how organisms decay and how they become fossilized.

What kind of information does a Taphonomist study?

Taphonomists study the taphonomic processes of decay and fossilization, including the different physical and chemical changes that occur when organisms decompose. They also examine the environmental conditions that influence the preservation of fossils.

How long has the field of Taphonomy been around?

The field of Taphonomy has been around since the early 1900s, although the term taphonomy was not coined until the 1950s.

What methods do Taphonomists use to study fossils?

Taphonomists use a variety of methods to study fossils, including examining fossilized bones and sedimentary rocks, analyzing chemical and isotopic composition of fossils, and using imaging and other analytical techniques.

What are some of the applications of Taphonomy?

Taphonomy has many applications, including helping to understand past environments, reconstructing ancient ecosystems, and assisting in archaeological investigations. It can also be used to interpret evolutionary patterns, such as mass extinctions and changes in species diversity over time.