Looking at a picture of a group of evolutionary biologists at a meeting, (specifically, looking at George Gaylord Simpson and comparing him to the others), it occurs to me that the only professional scientists I have ever met who would wear a bolo tie (in public, at least) have been geologists or paleontologists.

actually, the only men I've ever seen in bolo ties have either been old farmer/ranchers, ex rodeo-riders, or geologist/paleontologists.

interesting. I don't know if it means anything. Perhaps it has something to do with a desire to flout authority and wear what you darn well please, even if the invite says something about wearing a tie.