Charles Henry Turner (zoologist)

Charles Henry Turner at Sumner High School%2C St. Louis%2C Mo. Aug. 9%2C 1921

Charles Henry Turner (1867–1923) was an American zoologist, educator, and a pioneer in the field of animal behavior and entomology. Turner was one of the first African American researchers to receive a graduate degree in the United States, earning a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1907. His groundbreaking research significantly contributed to the understanding of animal cognition and behavior, particularly in insects.

Early Life and Education

Charles Henry Turner was born on February 3, 1867, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Showing an early interest in the natural sciences, Turner excelled in his studies despite the racial barriers of the time. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Cincinnati in 1891, where he also earned his Master's degree in Biology in 1892. Turner's passion for science and education led him to pursue further studies, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Career

After completing his education, Turner embarked on a career that combined research with a commitment to education. He taught at several high schools and colleges, including the Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was a beloved teacher and mentor. Despite facing racial discrimination and limited access to research facilities, Turner conducted innovative experiments that contributed to the fields of entomology and psychology.

Turner's research focused on the behavior and cognition of insects, particularly ants, bees, and spiders. He was the first to demonstrate that insects can hear and can distinguish pitch, that cockroaches can learn by trial and error, and that honeybees can see color. His work laid the foundation for the field of comparative psychology and expanded the understanding of animal intelligence.

Legacy

Charles Henry Turner's contributions to zoology and psychology were groundbreaking. His research challenged prevailing notions of animal cognition, demonstrating the complexity of insect behavior and intelligence. Turner's work paved the way for future generations of scientists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Despite the challenges he faced due to racial discrimination, Turner's achievements in research and education remain a testament to his dedication to science and his pioneering spirit.

Turner's legacy is celebrated for his contributions to the understanding of animal behavior and for breaking racial barriers in the scientific community. His life and work continue to inspire students and researchers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Selected Works

• The Homing of Ants: An Experimental Study of Ant Behavior (1907)
• Experiments on the Color Vision of the Honeybee (1910)
• The Reactions of the Pomace Fly, Drosophila ampelophila, to Light, Gravity, and Mechanical Stimulation (1914)

See Also

• Animal cognition
• Entomology
• History of zoology in the 20th century