#636: Alexander von Humboldt

Another in a series of posts on people who one would probably be worth discussing with students as part of the final course, because of their contributions to Natural History.

It remains to be seen whether this will actually form part of the final specification.

Alexander von Humboldt should have a place on any such list.

There is a very useful book on the life and work of von Humboldt by Andrea Wulf: a biography published in 2015 which won several awards. 

It outlines his pioneering work in a range of sciences, including the creation of 

Here's a short video from the Smithsonian which talks about his ideas, some of which were contemporaneous with other figures.

His first major expedition to South America began in 1799. It would last five years and what he 'discovered' and described there was to kick start his career.

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& one from TED Education...

Von Humboldt was also credited with some of the early examples of infographics, which he developed.

#531: Palaeontology

Or without the 'a' in American sources... such as the one referenced here...

This University of Berkeley classification is useful in showing the different sub-disciplines.

Paleontology is traditionally divided into various sub-disciplines:

Micropaleontology: Study of generally microscopic fossils, regardless of the group to which they belong.

Paleobotany: Study of fossil plants; traditionally includes the study of fossil algae and fungi in addition to land plants.

Palynology: Study of pollen and spores, both living and fossil, produced by land plants and protists - this is very important in climate change research for reconstructing past climates from lake bed sediments etc.

Invertebrate Paleontology: Study of invertebrate animal fossils, such as mollusks, echinoderms, and others.

Vertebrate Paleontology: Study of vertebrate fossils, from primitive fishes to mammals.

Human Paleontology (Paleoanthropology): The study of prehistoric human and proto-human fossils.

Taphonomy: Study of the processes of decay, preservation, and the formation of fossils in general.

Ichnology: Study of fossil tracks, trails, and footprints.

Paleoecology: Study of the ecology and climate of the past, as revealed both by fossils and by other methods.

In short, palaeontology is the study of what fossils tell us about the ecologies of the past, about evolution, and about our place, as humans, in the world. Palaeontology incorporates knowledge from biology, geology, ecology, anthropology, archaeology, and even computer science to understand the processes that have led to the origination and eventual destruction of the different types of organisms since life arose.

A useful summary, and elements of these sub-disciplines would I imagine be included in any draft specification once it emerges.

Image: Fossil from Staithes cliffs, North Yorkshire - Alan Parkinson, shared on Flickr under CC license.

#34: Linnean Society and Carl Linnaeus

There will be a list of people whose work students should be introduced to during their studies in Natural History. The specification will no doubt include a list of these prominent people and we will also suggest one here on the blog and in the resources that emerge for teachers using the new specification.

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) is one of the people who will appear on the list.

He is the father of modern taxonomy: a system for classifying organisms.

This New Scientist profile is a useful summary of his life and work, and the importance of taxonomy for biologists.

The Systema Naturae is another name for this.

The Linnean Society is based at Burlington House - to the left as you head towards the Royal Academy through the arch off Picadilly.

I last visited in 2019, just ahead of the lockdowns.

The Linnean Society of London is the world’s oldest active society devoted to natural history. Founded in 1788 by Sir James Edward Smith (1759–1828), who was its first President, the Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) whose botanical, zoological and library collections have been in their keeping since 1829. 

As the Society's website says:

These unique collections are of continuing fundamental importance as a primary reference for naming of plants and animals. They are enhanced by the Society's own rich library which provides key resources for scientific and cultural research.

Our vision is a world where nature is understood, valued and protected. To do this we aim to inform, involve and inspire people about nature and its significance through our collections, events and publications. Thanks to the wide ranging expertise of our Fellowship and our unique collections, we are a hub for science communication through interdisciplinary learning and engagement.

The Society encourages the debate and discussion of natural history including taxonomy, evolutionary biology and ecology. We strongly support all efforts to address some of the most urgent issues facing the natural world, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. We also support the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We aspire to inspire by bringing together diverse communities and increasing engagement with scientists, historians, artists and all those interested in nature.