The death of the scientist "Darwin's heir" known for his studies on ants
American scientist E.
or.
Wilson
American scientist E. passed away Sunday at the age of 92 in Massachusetts.
or.
Wilson, who was nicknamed "Darwin's Heir" and was internationally known for his research on ants and his emphasis on the importance of biodiversity.
The late scientist, whose full name is Edward Osborne Wilson, published dozens of books, two of which won two Pulitzer Prizes, the first for a book titled “Lumen Nature” (Human Nature) published in 1978, and the second for “Le Formy” (Ants), published in 1990 and participated in In writing with Bert Holdupler.
The foundation bearing Wilson's name stated that the late, who worked in the field of education at Harvard University, "has devoted his life to studying the natural world and inspiring others to take an interest in this field as he did."
And "Time" magazine previously described him as "one of the most important career paths in science during the twentieth century", highlighting his work in mapping the social behavior of ants, through which he demonstrated that their colonies communicate through a system of pheromone.
The scientist who is considered the founding father of social biology raised a wave of criticism for considering in one of his books that the idea of the biological basis of animal behavior can extend to humans.
Wilson was accused of genetic determinism and of justifying injustice.
The controversy reached the point that demonstrators dropped a jug of ice water over his head while protesting against him during the 1978 conference.
An entomologist who has been labeled a "star" of science is highly respected.
Cognitive psychologist Stephen Pinker regretted Monday the death of a "great scientist".
"We disagreed on some issues, but this did not affect his generosity and willingness to discuss," he wrote on Twitter.
Wilson was also known for his urgent calls to defend the Earth's ecosystems.
"If we don't act quickly to protect global biodiversity, we will lose most of the species that make up life on Earth," the foundation's website quoted the scientist as saying.
Wilson had helped save the Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, and opened a laboratory in his name to study and protect the region's biodiversity.
Wilson sparked reactions after he suggested dedicating half of the Earth's surface to nature ("Half Earth" project) to avoid the extinction of animal species, including humankind.
"I know it sounds extreme," he said during his 2016 appearance on PBS NewsHour, but "it's easier to do than you think."
"Who do we think ourselves, and we are only one species, to wipe out the majority of the remaining species that live with us on this planet (...) for our own selfish needs"?
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