Edward O. Wilson was considered the world's leading expert on ants.
Edward. O. Wilson, a US scientist, professor and author who was dubbed the "Darwin's natural heir" for his study of insects and clarion call to protect Earth, has died at the age of 92.
Wilson, who died Monday, was a Harvard University research professor who was considered the world's leading authority on ants and their behavior.
While an entomologist early in his career, he broadened his scope immensely, studying not just insects but the social interactions of birds, mammals and humans, and he effectively established a new field of science known as sociobiology.
He was the author of hundreds of scientific papers and more than 30 books, two of which won him Pulitzer Prizes.
Paula Ehrlich is president of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and co-founder of the Half-Earth Project.
His scientific focus and poetic voice transformed our way of understanding ourselves and our planet.
His greatest hope was that students everywhere would share his passion for discovery as the ultimate scientific foundation for future stewardship of our planet.
Wilson was renowned for his advances in global conservativism, and he was an advisor to many organizations.
He was described as one of the great careers in 20th century science by Time magazine in the late 1990's, as he was highlighted for his work mapping the social behavior of ants and proving their colonies communicate through a system of chemicals known as pheromones.
His work was controversial. His theory of animal behavior was praised by fellow scientists in his book.
Wilson caused an uproar by suggesting in the final chapter that human behavior is largely genetically based and that humans have a tendency to divide labor between genders, tribalism, male dominance and parental-child bonding.
His reputation as a revered authority on the natural world remained intact.
Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist at Harvard, said he was sad about the death of his colleague.
Pinker said that they disagreed about some things, but it didn't affect his generosity or willingness to engage.
Wilson warned of the potential for chaos and ruin if humans don't change course.
He said in a lecture that biodiversity was being eroded by human activity. The loss will cause a heavy price in wealth, security and spirit unless we fix it.
2021.
The scientist E.O. Wilson died at the age of 92 on December 27th, 2021.
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