Cyrus Longworth Lundell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cyrus Longworth Lundell
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| Born | November 5, 1907 |
| Died | March 28, 1994 (aged 86) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Botany |
Cyrus Longworth Lundell (born November 5, 1907 – died March 28, 1994) was an important American botanist. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. Lundell was known for discovering new plants and even a lost ancient city!
Contents
Who Was Cyrus Lundell?
Cyrus Longworth Lundell was a scientist who loved plants and history. He spent much of his life exploring jungles and finding new species. He also helped us learn more about the ancient Maya people.
His Education
Cyrus Lundell studied at several universities. He earned his first degree from Southern Methodist University in 1932. Later, he went on to get his Master's degree in 1934. He then earned his Ph.D. in 1936, both from the University of Michigan. His advanced studies focused on Botany, the science of plants.
Early Discoveries
When he was only 21 years old, in 1928, Lundell started working as a plant expert. He joined the Tropical Plant Research Foundation. His job was to help with experiments in British Honduras (now called Belize). He studied the sapodilla tree, which produces a natural gum called chicle. This chicle was very important for making chewing gum in the United States.
What is Chicle?
Chicle is a natural gum that comes from certain tropical trees. These trees are found in southern North America and South America. For a long time, chicle was the main ingredient in chewing gum. Companies like the Wrigley Company used a lot of it. Today, most chewing gum is made from man-made ingredients. But a few companies still use natural chicle.
Lundell's Important Work
Cyrus Lundell's work was a mix of science and history. He cared about protecting nature and understanding ancient cultures. While working in the jungle in 1931, he made an amazing discovery. He found the ancient Maya city of Calakmul, which had been hidden for about 1,000 years!
Besides finding a lost city, Lundell also discovered and identified over 2,000 different kinds of plants. Many of these plants were native to Texas, where he lived.
Where He is Buried
Cyrus Longworth Lundell is buried in Dallas, Texas. His grave is at the Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.
His Legacy
Cyrus Lundell left behind an important legacy. A type of lizard was named after him to honor his work. It is called Sceloporus lundelli. His discoveries helped us learn more about plants and the ancient Maya world.
See also
In Spanish: Cyrus Longworth Lundell para niños
