A scientist in the field

Definition and an example of artificial selection

- We have had a huge influence on our environment and the species with which we share it. We could take variety of grasses and grains, and selectively breed them to produce greater yields. In addition, we've tried to breed cattle, sheep and horses to make larger and stronger. The process of domestication is called as artificial selection that has a similar role of natural selection. Since it allows differential reproductive success to individuals with different genetically traits, it brings desirable traits in the population. However, artifically selected traits do not bring greater fitness than naturally selected traits. Instead, artificially selected traits enables people to beed the plants and animals what they desire. Clearly, this condition does decrease the animal's fitness and would be greatly selected against by natural selection.

RESEARCHER: Zachary Lippman

Associate ProfessorPh.D., Watson School of Biological Sciences at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2004

"My research team studies the genes that determine when and where, and thus how many, flowers are produced on plants. Flowers form on branches called inflorescences, which originate from stem cells. By studying the genes that control how stem cells become inflorescences, we are able to manipulate flower production to improve crop yields".

About his research and his tasks

-> His research is mainly related in process of flowering and flower production in order to contribute to plant reproductive success and agricultural yield.

-> His task is usually identifying genes that control how tomato plants produce their flowers with repeated zigzag positioning.

-> “Reproductive phase transitions” have contributed to the evolution of various inflorescence branching patterns in tomato’s larger Solanaceae family. It includes plants that make only one flower, in each inflorescence, to many wild species of tomato plants.

-> Lippman is analyzing the gene networks that is reason for the difference in inflorescence branching discovered in nature by using a combination of genetic, genomic, and molecular approaches. His real purpose is to improve crop yields.

-> His working on genes which is related in the production and activity of a general flowering hormone brought boosting yield beyond important commercial varieties.

-> Finally, the Lippman lab discovered the genome order of the "currant tomato," the natural ancestor of larger-fruited cultivated tomatoes. Actually, he used artificial selection which is inbreeding for better understanding of how flower and fruit production changed and how it produce new generation by breeding selectively.

-> Thus, this result of research could help lots of scientists to produce more

massive and new fruits by understanding the genetics of stem cell population preservation in plants producing huge tomatoes.

Major companies hire people who are looking at this kind of career

There are number of major companies which hire the biology professor, such as Greenpeace which is a non-governmental environmental organization. It changes attitudes and behavior to protect and sustain the environment and to promote peace. Research institutes also looking for good professor related to biology because it is an establishment that develops natural science, culture sciences, and social science research. In addition, there is an environmental and engineering consulting firm that make him free to work on his research or study. It looking for a person who can observe, study, and research about environment and living things. Other companies regarding agricultural business also may need this kind of career for contributiong to the development of new plants and grains.

Characteristics, attributes, qualities....?

- concern for the environment

- have physical strength and stamina for some fieldwork

- be interested in plant and animal science to work interestingly

- research and communication skills are required

- curious

Cons and pros of this career?

Someone who enjoys being outdoors and experimenting or observing plants and animals can be especially gratifying to be an biology professor. Every day can be a holiday for them who in contact with animals, plants, or environments. Also, they are very important in the society and community because they help to maintain healthy environment and to suggest solutions and discover new ideas. However, a negative aspect for some people would be that salaries may generally be lower than in other jobs. Also, that kind of career must do something take the fun out of a job, such as paperwork and government regulations.

Education or Training?

It requires at least a bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, or environmental science, and it requires at least a master's degree in ecology, biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field. During undergraduate years, you should try to take biological science courses as possible, including courses in botany, zoology, morphology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Regardless of the subject, who is interested in the field should also take courses in the physical sciences, including chemistry, geology, soil science, or climatology. Having knowledge of social sciences, such as politics, sociology, and economics can be helpful as well since many ecological problems involve humans. Biology researcher need training of statistics and computers. These skills are necessary when analyze the results of data or identify mathematical models of biological concepts.