Paul H. Harvey facts for kids

Paul H. Harvey is a famous British scientist. He was born on January 19, 1947. He studies evolutionary biology, which is about how living things change over time.

Professor Harvey worked at the University of Oxford for many years. He was the head of the zoology department there. Zoology is the study of animals. He also helped lead the Zoological Society of London. This group runs the London and Whipsnade Zoos.

Becoming a Scientist

Paul Harvey went to the University of York. There, he earned his first degree and then a special doctorate degree. This prepared him for his important work in science.

Research and Discoveries

Professor Harvey is known for his work in evolutionary biology. He helped create new ways to study how different species are related. He used math and statistics to understand these connections better.

Scientists have used the "comparative method" for a long time. Even Charles Darwin used it! This method compares traits between different species. Paul Harvey made this method much stronger. He found ways to use modern data. This helped scientists avoid mistakes when studying evolution. His tools are now used by many researchers around the world.

Some of his students have also become very successful scientists. They include Oliver Pybus, Georgina Mace, Andrew Read, Andrew Rambaut, and Eddie Holmes.

Key Publications

Professor Harvey has written important books and papers. These works share his research with other scientists.

• One book he co-wrote is The Comparative Method in Evolutionary Biology. It explains his ideas about comparing species.

Awards and Honors

Paul Harvey has received many awards for his scientific work.

• In 1992, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a big honor for scientists in the UK.
• He also won medals from the Zoological Society of London.
• He received an award from the National Academy of Sciences.
• The University of Helsinki gave him a special medal.
• He was named a "highly cited researcher." This means many other scientists use his work in their own studies.

From 2000 to 2011, he was the Secretary of the Zoological Society of London. In this role, he helped manage the famous London and Whipsnade Zoos. He also oversaw their research and conservation efforts.

In 2008, he was given the title Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a special award from the British government.