John Ray (naturalist)

John Ray was a 17th-century English naturalist and botanist, often referred to as the father of modern taxonomy. He significantly advanced the classification of plants and animals by introducing a systematic approach to naming and organizing living things based on shared characteristics. Unlike his contemporaries, Ray emphasized careful observation and detailed descriptions, laying the groundwork for later scientists like Carl Linnaeus. His notable works include "Historia Plantarum," which documented numerous plant species. Ray's contributions helped shape our understanding of biology and classification, influencing how we study and organize the natural world today.