Last Sunday, December 26, the naturalist, biologist, and entomologist Edward O. Wilson passed away. Charles Darwin’s “natural heir” has died at the age of 92 in Burlington, Massachusetts.
As the foundation that named him says, “Edward Wilson devoted his life to studying the natural world and inspiring others to care about it as he did.” Author of more than 30 books and more than 400 scientific articles, he received two Pulitzer Prizes in 1978 with On Human Nature, which depicts the role of biology in the development of human culture, and in 1990 with Ants (in the name of ants), he wrote Bert Holdupler.
He was also considered the father of social biology and biology, pioneered the theory of island biogeography, and contributed to major advances in global biodiversity conservation through the Encyclopedia of Life and da Terra Mitd projects. As a professor at Harvard University, he had the opportunity to educate and inspire many of his students.
The scientist was also a co-founder of the Society for Conservation Biology and the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, a consultant to several scientific organizations, and founder of the Half-Earth Project, along with Paula J. Ehrlich, who works to speak up about half of the land and sea in order to protect the planet’s biodiversity.
David J. Prend, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the EO Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and friend of Edward O. Wilson, says, “Her influence extends to all aspects of society. He was a true visionary with a unique ability to inspire and motivate. He made it clear, perhaps better than anyone else.” , what it means to be human. His infectious curiosity and creativity have shaped the lives of so many people, myself included.”
