Edward Osborne Wilson, one of the world’s leading naturalists and conservationists, had died aged 92.
Wilson was an award-winning biologist and professor at Harvard and Duke universities and earned the nickname of the natural heir to Charles Darwin.
E.O. Wilson, a Pioneer of Evolutionary Biology New York Times video
He specialised in studying ants and ecosystems, and campaigned to halt the rapid global decline in biodiversity.
He died on Sunday in Burlington, Massachusetts, the EO Wilson Biodiversity Foundation said.
Evolutionary biologist changed how we look at the world Boston Globe
No cause for his death has been given, but the foundation said a tribute to his life was planned for 2022.
‘Of Ants and Men’ PBS video
“Ed’s holy grail was the sheer delight of the pursuit of knowledge,” said foundation president Paula Ehrlich.
“A relentless synthesiser of ideas, his courageous scientific focus and poetic voice transformed our way of understanding ourselves and our planet,” she added.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1929, EO Wilson said he developed an interest in the natural world from a young age. After a fish’s fin cut his eye during a fishing accident, his long-range vision was impaired, and he chose to focus on smaller creatures as he could study them up close.
Don’t miss important news like this Click for updates
