What Do You Call a Scientist Who Studies Plants?
A scientist who studies plants is called a botanist. Also called plant biologists, botanists study diverse plant life ranging from small microorganisms to giant trees. As experts in the field of botany, botanists are well-versed in the identification and classification of plant life, the biochemical functions and processes of plants and the various plant diseases and cures.
The work of botanists include the following:
- Investigate, discover and classify different plant species and their habitat.
- Conduct studies, research and experiments on plant growth and their role in the ecosystem.
- Study the molecular biology and structure of plants.
- Oversee the care of plants in parks, botanical gardens and protected forests.
Apart from botanical gardens and parks, botanists also work for museums, arboretums, herbariums, zoos and medicinal plant laboratories. Biotechnological firms, pharmaceutical companies and the government may also employ botanists. Academic institutions often hire botanists either as educators or researchers.
To become a botanist, one needs to have a degree in botany or any degrees related to plant science. Aspiring botanists should take up English, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biological sciences. In high school, it will be helpful to take college preparatory classes in biology, mathematics and geography. As with any other degree, graduate and post-graduate studies are required to become a professor in a university.
