Famous Naturalists - List of Famous Naturalists

Naturalists are the individuals who are expert in natural history. They are primarily zoologists or botanists who help the people in gaining an appreciation for the natural world. They act as the link between environment and the uninformed public whom they educate about the natural world and its processes. Naturalists teach the people how human activity affects the environment, natural resources and the living beings that inhabit the earth, and also demonstrate how interested parties can protect the environment. Charles Darwin the 19th century naturalist made significant contributions to the evolutionary theory. The famous painter John James Audubon was also a naturalist who published the ‘Birds of America’. American ornithologist Florence Merriam was a pioneer in her field who campaigned against the mistreatment and unnecessary killing of birds. The prolific writer Rachel Carson was one of the first people who made people understand the evils of pollution and played a key role in the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. One very famous naturalist of our time is Jane Goodall who is not just the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees but also the UN Messenger of Peace. This section provides you information about the life and works of various famous naturalists from all over the world.