Just about every experimental science trainee experiences some variation on this theme: Their work entails a variety of risks in combination, they have little experience in dealing with those risks, and--much of the time--safety considerations take second place to getting the work done.

"Mathematicians working together just talk through ideas or stare into space hoping to have one. Sometimes they go for a walk. This is particularly pleasant if the walk happens to be through Paris streets or along cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Fresh air is essential, especially if one of them smokes." --Ernest Schimmerling

These days the study of evolution is highly technical, requiring the techniques of molecular biology and the skills of sophisticated mathematical modelers.