Arnold Joseph Nicholson

views updated

Arnold Joseph Nicholson

1912-

American biologist and zoologist whose ecological studies of the wood mouse and the fruit bat helped launch the scientific study of ecosystems. Nicholson and other researchers helped establish the scientific basis for ecological studies by elevating them beyond a simple description of observed events. In addition to his early ecological studies, Nicholson also worked at restoring populations of game animals that were depleted by overhunting.

More From encyclopedia.com