Ernst Haeckel

Life and Education Born in Prussia to well-educated Protestant parents Studied medicine at Wurzburg and the University of Berlin from Studied with Johannes Muller, who introduced Haeckel to marine biology and Albert von Kolliker, a physiologist who introduced him to microscopic work. Traveled to Messina, Italy to paint and considered making art his career Got his doctoral degree in zoology, studying under Carl Gegenbaur at the University of Jena Became a professor of comparative anatomy at the University of Jena for 47 years

Inspiration Very inspired by Darwin’s Origin of Species, and thought it confirmed his suspicion that different species of Radiolarians evolved from a common ancestor. Influenced by the natural philosophy of Wolfgang von Goethe and the French naturalist, Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck Thought Darwin, Lamarck, and Goethe were the three “fathers of the theory of descent.”

Major Accomplishments Discovered hundreds of marine species Mapped a genealogical tree relating all life forms Coined the terms: “phylogeny,” “ecology,” and the kingdom “Protista” Made detailed drawings of embryos and marine life Popularized Darwin in Germany Came up with the Recapitulation Theory, also called biogenetic law Argued for the teaching of evolution in Freedom in Science and Teaching.

Haeckel’s Recapitulation Theory “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny” An individual organism’s biological development (ontogeny) parallels and summarizes the evolutionary development of the species (phylogeny) Theory has been discredited since the early 20th century. While ontogeny and phylogeny are closely related and intertwined, there is by no means a one-to-one relationship between them.

Selected Published Works The Artforms of Nature: illustrations of animal and sea creatures (1904) The Riddle of the Universe: or “World-Riddle,” philosophy on the nature and origin of the universe ( ) The History of Creation (1868) Freedom in Science and Teaching (1877) Systematic Phylogeny (1894) Anthropogenie (1874/1903): evolution of man

Haeckel’s Artistic Pursuits

Embryo Fraud Unfortunately, Haeckel used his artistic talents to strengthen his arguments for common ancestry He subtly changed aspects of embryos to reflect his theories Though he confessed to having fudged the drawings during his lifetime, the confession was lost and his embryonic drawings were newly discredited within the last 20 years

Other Controversies Haeckel attempted to create a genealogical tree reflecting a hierarchy of human races, placing white Europeans above many other races His theories were used by the Nazi party to confirm their belief in Aryan supremacy after his death

Summary Haeckel was a German Romantic who was willing to fudge the truth to make his theories work Began the study of phylogeny Mapped out a genealogical tree that was used as a conceptual model until the 1970’s Was a great advocate for the teaching of evolution and the eradication of religious dogma from science Didn’t quite pick up where Darwin left off, but made important contributions nonetheless

Resources kel.htm /Ernst-Haeckel