Nikolaas Tinbergen

Date of Birth: April 15, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 21, 1988

Biography

Nikolaas Tinbergen was a Dutch biologist and ornithologist who is best known for his pioneering work in ethology, the study of animal behavior. Tinbergen was born in The Hague, Netherlands, and grew up with a strong interest in nature and wildlife, which he pursued through his education and career. He attended the University of Leiden, where he completed his PhD in 1932. Tinbergen’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the field of ethology, which he helped to establish along with Konrad Lorenz and Karl von Frisch. Together, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for their discoveries concerning the organization and elicitation of individual and social behavior patterns in animals. Tinbergen’s research focused on the behaviors of various species, including birds, insects, and fish, and he is particularly known for his studies on the mechanisms of animal instinct and the development of behavioral patterns. His most notable works include his studies on the fixed action patterns in animals, the concept of the “supernormal stimulus,” and his detailed observations of the behavior of the herring gull. Throughout his career, Tinbergen held various academic positions, including a significant tenure at Oxford University, where he influenced many students and future researchers. His contributions to science have had a lasting impact on the fields of biology, psychology, and even anthropology.

5 Interesting Facts about Nikolaas Tinbergen

1. Nikolaas Tinbergen was one of the founding figures of ethology, the study of animal behavior.

2. He shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 with Konrad Lorenz and Karl von Frisch.

3. Tinbergen’s research on the “supernormal stimulus” demonstrated how animals can be influenced by exaggerated versions of natural stimuli.

4. He spent a significant part of his career at Oxford University, where he became a key figure in the Department of Zoology.

5. Tinbergen also made significant contributions to understanding human behavior through his studies of autism and aggression.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nikolaas Tinbergen

1. “Ethologists, studying animals in their natural environments, have found that the behavior of animals is much more flexible and adaptive than had previously been assumed.”

2. “I believe that the study of animal behavior can contribute to our understanding of human psychology.”

3. “Understanding animal behavior is not just a matter of scientific curiosity; it has practical applications for conservation and animal welfare.”

4. “The proper study of mankind is man, but the proper study of animals is also man.”

5. “To understand the evolution of living things, we must understand the behavior of animals in their natural environment.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nikolaas Tinbergen’s work was primarily academic, and he did not amass a significant personal fortune. His highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his contributions to science are invaluable.

Children

Nikolaas Tinbergen had five children with his wife, Elisabeth Rutten. Their children have pursued various careers, some of which include contributions to science and education, continuing the legacy of intellectual curiosity and academic achievement.