by Edward O. Wilson

Edward O. Wilson (1929–2021) was a renowned American biologist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner who revolutionized the study of ants and developed influential theories in ecology and sociobiology. Born in Alabama, he became known as the world's foremost authority on ants after discovering that social insects communicate through chemical substances called pheromones. His work bridged science and culture, including his development of island biogeography theory and his efforts to advance environmentalism and biodiversity conservation.