What's the role of a biologist?

I'm considering majoring in biology, but I'm not sure what a biologist actually does. What kind of work do they do daily, and are there different types of biologists with different roles?

A biologist is a scientist who studies living organisms and their relationship to the environment. They conduct research, collect data, and interpret findings to learn more about the natural world. Biologists examine the behavior, natural history, growth, structure, and function of these organisms to understand how they interact within ecosystems.

The role can vary significantly depending on the specialization within biology. For instance, a marine biologist would likely spend time in the field collecting data and observing marine life, while a cellular biologist may spend most of their time in a laboratory studying the functions of cells under a microscope.

Here are a few types of biologists and a glimpse into their responsibilities:

1. Ecologists: They study how organisms interact with their environment. This could mean investigating plant and animal populations in forests, the migration patterns of birds, or the effect of pollution on an aquatic ecosystem.

2. Molecular Biologists: They investigate biological phenomena on a molecular or atomic level. For example, a molecular biologist might study the genetic markers associated with a disease.

3. Microbiologists: They focus on microorganism behaviors, including bacteria, algae, or fungi. This might involve studying microbial cultures in a lab to understand their growth and development.

4. Wildlife Biologists: They typically study specific populations or species of animals, either in the wild or in a captive environment, and may investigate issues like disease patterns, population dynamics, mating habits, or species interaction.

5. Biochemists: They examine the chemical processes and substances that occur in living organisms, often closely related to the fields of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Lastly, regardless of their specialization, many biologists occasionally spend time writing research papers or presenting their findings to peers. They might also teach at universities or participate in shaping public policy related to health and the environment. It's a versatile field with lots of areas to explore!