World-renowned entomologist Edward O. Wilson is nicknamed "Dr. Ant," but his achievements impact much of the field of biology. He is co-founder of the modern field of sociobiology, believed by some to be one of the great paradigms of science, which has touched off much controversy but also a great deal of research in animal and human social behavior. From his posts as Harvard Univeristy's Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science and Mellon Professor of Science, Wilson is the recipient of Sweden's Crafoord Prize, a 1979 Pulitzer Prize for literature, and the 1977 National Medal of Science. He has influenced the field of animal taxonomy through his work in speciation theory, conducted research which led to the discovery of pheromones--chemicals which cause behavior in animals--and has been a harbinger of the threat of mass extinction resulting from man's unchecked use of the environment.

Edward Osborne Wilson was born on...