Also known as « the father of sociobiology, » Wilson pioneered influential scientific concepts and was a staunch advocate for protecting the environment.
Edward O. Wilson, a biologist celebrated for creating the field of sociobiology and a leading authority on ants, died December 26 at age 92. The influential naturalist « was called ‘Darwin’s natural heir,’ and was known affectionately as ‘the ant man’ for his pioneering work as an entomologist, » the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation wrote in a statement. A longtime Harvard professor, Wilson won Pulitzer Prizes for the nonfiction works On Human Nature in 1979 and The Ants in 1991. Among his many other accolades are a National Medal of Science and a Crafoord Prize. Wilson was also dubbed « the father of biodiversity, » and was a fervent advocate for protecting the environment. A prolific writer, he published more than 30 books, including a bestselling work of fiction,2010’s Anthill: A Novel. Many colleagues and admirers paid tribute to Wilson on social media, including former Vice President Al Gore, who also noted the December 25 passing of prominent ecologist Thomas Lovejoy.
