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Ernst Mayr: The Darwin of the 20th Century
- Early Life and Passion:
- Born in Germany in 1904.
- Early fascination with birds sparked his interest in biology.
- Defining a Species:
- Revolutionized the concept of a species.
- Defined a species as a group of interbreeding populations reproductively isolated from others.
- This definition became a cornerstone of modern biology.
- Exploring the Origin of Species:
- Investigated the mechanisms of evolution.
- Focused on how new species arise and adapt.
- Made the origin of species diversity a central question in evolutionary biology.
- Legacy and Recognition:
- Long and influential career at Harvard University.
- Received the “triple crown” of biology awards:
- Balzan Prize
- International Prize for Biology
- Crafoord Prize
- Recognized as one of the greatest scientists of all time.
- Impact:
- Shaped our understanding of the living world.
- His work continues to inspire and guide research in evolutionary biology.
