Acarology is the study of ticks and mites, offering diverse opportunities for research in various fields. Acarologists study the evolutionary history of these organisms and their impact on humans, animals, and agriculture. They work in laboratories, archaeological digs, and the wild, and may be called upon to assist doctors and veterinarians. Rates of pay vary depending on the level of training and area of interest.
Acarology is the study of ticks and mites, organisms classified in their own subclass under the more general class of arachnids. This subclass is large and very diverse, offering numerous opportunities for people interested in this field of science. Acarologists can be found working all over the world, in settings from archaeological digs to laboratories. College and university degree programs in this field are available in a number of regions, and many people in this field hold advanced degrees.
From an evolutionary point of view, mites and ticks are a very interesting field of study. Acarology covers the known evolutionary history of these organisms, many of which evolved in tandem with the organisms they prey on. The study of historical organisms can provide insight into the evolution of arachnids as a whole, as well as provide insight into the development of various plants and animals and movement through various regions of the world.
Mites and ticks have also been a historical problem for humans. Some acarologists look specifically at species that live with humans and study things like diseases associated with mites and ticks, evolutionary changes in these animals in response to population pressures, and related topics. An acarology specialist may also be called into a medical consultation, when a doctor wants more information about mites or ticks in a patient. Proper identification may require skill and training, and it is important to correctly identify the organism in order to prescribe the right treatment.
An acarologist can also help in veterinary science in addition to providing assistance to human doctors. Mites can be a problem in agriculture and other applications, making acarology a potentially useful skill in veterinary research and development. Understanding crop mite infestations is also important for everything from developing resistant crops to fighting famine in regions where people may not have access to common control methods for mites.
People interested in acarology are usually comfortable with arachnids, with an interest in understanding these oft-maligned members of the animal kingdom. This work may include bench work, examining organisms under a microscope, performing genetic testing and other laboratory tasks, as well as field work to identify and search for mites and ticks in the wild. Rates of pay for specialists in this field vary, depending on their specific areas of interest and level of training. Employment is available in the public and private sectors and often involves benefits.
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