Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz (1807-1873) was a prominent Swiss-born American biologist and geologist. Here are some key highlights about his life and work:
- Early Life: Agassiz was born in Môtier, Switzerland, and showed an early interest in natural history. He studied at the universities of Zürich, Heidelberg, and Munich, earning degrees in philosophy and medicine.
- Career: He became a professor of natural history at the University of Neuchâtel before emigrating to the United States in 1847. He later became a professor at Harvard University and founded its Museum of Comparative Zoology.
- Contributions: Agassiz made significant contributions to ichthyology (the study of fish), glaciology (the study of glaciers), and paleontology. He is particularly known for his work on fossil fishes and his theory of the Ice Age.
- Legacy: Despite his opposition to Darwin’s theory of evolution, Agassiz’s work had a lasting impact on the scientific community. He was honored with several awards, including the Copley Medal and the Wollaston Medal.
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