Edward Palmer Poulton

Edward Palmer Poulton (27 January 1856 – 20 November 1943) was a British evolutionary biologist who is best known for his work on mimicry and natural selection. He was a strong advocate of Darwinism and made significant contributions to the field of entomology.

Early Life and Education

Poulton was born in Reading, Berkshire, England. He was educated at Somerville College and later at Jesus College, Oxford, where he studied natural sciences. He was deeply influenced by the works of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.

Career

Poulton began his academic career as a lecturer in zoology at Oxford University. In 1893, he was appointed as the Hope Professor of Zoology at Oxford, a position he held until his retirement in 1933. During his tenure, he conducted extensive research on insects, particularly focusing on mimicry and protective coloration.

Contributions to Science

Poulton's most notable work was on the concept of mimicry in insects. He provided substantial evidence supporting Batesian mimicry and Müllerian mimicry, which are forms of biological mimicry where one species evolves to resemble another. His research demonstrated how these forms of mimicry serve as mechanisms of natural selection.

He was also a proponent of the Neo-Darwinian synthesis, which integrated Mendelian genetics with Darwinian evolution. Poulton's work helped to solidify the understanding of how genetic variation and natural selection drive evolution.

Honors and Awards

Poulton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1898 in recognition of his contributions to biology. He was also awarded the Darwin Medal in 1914 for his work on evolution and mimicry.

Personal Life

Poulton married Emily Palmer in 1881, and they had four children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for natural history.

Legacy

Edward Palmer Poulton's work laid the foundation for future research in evolutionary biology and entomology. His studies on mimicry and natural selection continue to be influential in the field. He is remembered as a pioneering scientist who advanced the understanding of evolution and the mechanisms that drive it.

See Also

• Mimicry
• Natural selection
• Evolutionary biology
• Entomology
• Darwinism
• Batesian mimicry
• Müllerian mimicry