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What They Do

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Career Video

Insider Info

Physiology is the science that deals with the normal function of organisms and their parts. An animal physiologist is a person who studies how animals function. That study can include how certain animals react or interact with factors such as temperature, air quality, disease, diet and poisons.

Animal physiologists conduct research in a variety of areas. These can include reproductive physiology, clinical and molecular endocrinology (dealing with hormones), renal physiology (dealing with the kidneys), toxicology (the study of poisons) and molecular genetics (the study of hereditary traits).

Once the research is done, the scientist will write about the work. They will have studies, analyses and overviews published in trade journals. Plus, many animal physiologists teach at the college level or work for pharmaceutical, feed or other companies.

Animal physiologists can work in the classroom, in laboratories and even in the field. That was the case with Jane Goodall, one of the most famous animal physiologists of all time.

Animal physiologists often work long days. They often conduct, analyse or write about research after normal working hours.

There are no special physical requirements.

At a Glance

Study how animals function

  • Animal physiologists conduct research in a variety of areas
  • Many also teach
  • A master's degree is good, but a PhD is better

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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