Joseph Dalton Hooker

Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817–1911) was a prominent British botanist and explorer known for his extensive work in plant classification and ecology. A contemporary of Charles Darwin, he played a crucial role in the development of evolutionary theory by providing evidence from his botanical studies. Hooker traveled to remote regions, including the Antarctic and Himalayas, collecting and documenting numerous plant species. He was also the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he advanced botanical science and conservation. His influential publications and ideas on biogeography helped shape our understanding of plant distribution and adaptation over time.