Robert H. Whittaker

Robert H. Whittaker was an influential ecologist known for developing a classification system of ecosystems based on dominant plant life and climate. His work helped scientists understand how different environments, like forests, grasslands, and deserts, are shaped by their climates and the types of plants that grow there. Whittaker introduced the idea that climate influences the types of vegetation in an area, creating a framework for studying biodiversity and ecosystems. His research significantly advanced ecology by highlighting how climate, soil, and plant interactions define the natural world.