From Taxonomy to Phylogenetics - Life and Work of Willi Hennig

Erscheinungsjahr 2013
ISBN: 978-90-04-21928-1
Verlag: Brill

Buch, Englisch, 208 Seiten, Format (B × H): 159 mm x 244 mm, Gewicht: 481 g

Biological Systematics has changed dramatically during the past 60 years from a handicraft or art to an accepted branch of science proper, due to the work of Willi Hennig, who was born in 1913. The scientific method of reconstructing phylogenetic relationships of organisms bases on Hennig's approach, the "Phylogenetic Systematics". The method is now so widely accepted and applied that it can firmly be regarded a paradigm, named 'cladistics'.
In contrast, the life and personality of its founder is remarkably little known in the scientific community. The present book offers a detailed biography of Willi Hennig, and traces the roots of his thinking from his schooldays until his death in 1976. Some outstanding academic teachers and friends of his are introduced, too.
The book offers an insight into the historical development of a 'scientific revolution', and highlights the life and the work of a 'cautious revolutioniser' in a Germany of dictatorship, war, and separation.

Zielgruppe

Taxonomists, Phylogeneticists, Historians of Science, Entomologists, Zoologists, All interested in the history of a 'scientific revolution'.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Schmitt, Michael

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Taxonomie und Systematik
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Tierkunde / Zoologie Wirbellose (Invertebrata) Insekten (Entomologie)
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Geschichte der Biowissenschaften, Biologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtliche Themen Wissenschafts- und Universitätsgeschichte

Über Autor(innen)

Schmitt, Michael
Prof. Dr. Michael Schmitt (Ph.D, Biology, 1982; Hab., Zoology, 1993) was curator at Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn between 1992 and 2009. He was appointed professor in 2001. From 1997 to 2000 he was chairman of the section for Systematics of Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft (German zoological society) and member of the board of the International Society of Zoological Sciences from 2004 to 2008. Since 2009, he researches and teaches at the University of Greifswald. He’s considered the expert on the life of Willi Hennig and his legacy.

Prof. Dr. Michael Schmitt (Ph.D, Biology, 1982; Hab., Zoology, 1993) was curator at Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn between 1992 and 2009. He was appointed professor in 2001. From 1997 to 2000 he was chairman of the section for Systematics of Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft (German zoological society) and member of the board of the International Society of Zoological Sciences from 2004 to 2008. Since 2009, he researches and teaches at the University of Greifswald. He’s considered the expert on the life of Willi Hennig and his legacy.