Colin Groves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colin Groves
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| Born | 24 June 1942 United Kingdom
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| Died | 30 November 2017 (aged 75) |
| Alma mater | University College London (B.Sc. Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine (Ph.D.) |
| Known for | Biological classification of Homo ergaster |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biological Anthropology Palaeoanthropology Biogeography Primatology Mammal classification |
| Institutions | Australian National University University of California, Berkeley Queen Elizabeth College University of Cambridge |
Colin Peter Groves (born June 24, 1942 – died November 30, 2017) was an important British-Australian scientist. He was a professor of biological anthropology at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. This means he studied humans, their origins, and how they are related to other living things. He was an expert in many areas, including the study of primates (like monkeys and apes) and how different mammals are classified.
Contents
Colin Groves' Early Life and Studies
Colin Groves was born in England. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science, from University College London in 1963. He then continued his studies and received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1966. This higher degree showed his deep knowledge in his field.
After finishing his Ph.D., he worked as a researcher and teacher. From 1966 to 1973, he taught at several famous universities. These included the University of California, Berkeley, Queen Elizabeth College, and the University of Cambridge.
Colin Groves' Career in Australia
In 1973, Colin Groves moved to Australia. He joined the Australian National University. He became a full professor there in 2000. He continued to be an Emeritus Professor until he passed away.
Discovering Homo ergaster
One of his most famous achievements was helping to describe Homo ergaster. This is an important early human species. He worked with a Czech biologist named Professor Vratislav Mazák on this discovery.
Writing About Animals
Groves also wrote several important books. In 2001, he published Primate Taxonomy. This book helps scientists understand how different types of primates are grouped and named. He also co-wrote Ungulate Taxonomy in 2011 with Peter Grubb. Ungulates are hoofed animals like horses, deer, and cows.
Defending Science
Colin Groves was a strong supporter of science. He was an active member of the Australian Skeptics. This group encourages critical thinking and questions claims that are not based on scientific evidence.
He wrote many papers that challenged ideas that were not scientific. He often debated with people who believed in creationism or were anti-evolutionists. These are beliefs that go against the scientific understanding of evolution. Groves believed it was important for scientists to speak up. He felt they should use facts to correct misinformation.
Colin Groves' Research Interests
Colin Groves had many different areas of interest in his research. He studied:
- Human evolution: How humans have changed over millions of years.
- Primates: Monkeys, apes, and other related animals.
- Mammalian taxonomy: How different types of mammals are classified and named.
- Skeletal analysis: Studying bones to learn about past life.
- Biological anthropology: The study of human biology, evolution, and variation.
- Ethnobiology: How people in different cultures interact with plants and animals.
- Cryptozoology: The study of unconfirmed animals, like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster.
- Biogeography: Where different species live around the world and why.
He traveled a lot for his research. He did fieldwork in many countries. These included Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, India, Iran, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
See also
In Spanish: Colin Groves para niños
