Philip Sheppard (biologist) facts for kids
Professor Philip MacDonald Sheppard, F.R.S. (27 July 1921 – 17 October 1976) was a British scientist. He was a geneticist, meaning he studied how traits are passed down through families. He was also a lepidopterist, someone who studies butterflies and moths. Philip Sheppard made important discoveries about how genes work in moths, land snails, and even humans. He also helped with research on a medical condition called Rh disease.
Quick facts for kids
Philip Sheppard
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| Born | 27 July 1921 Marlborough, Wiltshire, England
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| Died | 17 October 1976 (age 55) Liverpool, Merseyside, England
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| Occupation | Professor of Genetics |
| Known for | Population genetics of lepidoptera, and work on Rh disease |
| Spouse(s) | Patricia Beatrice Lee (married 1948–1976) |
| Children | 3 sons |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Philip Sheppard was born on 27 July 1921. His birthplace was Marlborough, Wiltshire, in England. He attended Marlborough College from 1935 to 1939.
During World War II, from 1940 to 1945, he served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He became a prisoner-of-war from 1942 to 1945. He even helped with a famous tunnel escape from the prison camp.
After the war, from 1946 to 1948, he studied Zoology at Worcester College, which is part of the University of Oxford.
A Career in Genetics
Philip Sheppard dedicated his life to studying genetics. He worked at Liverpool University for many years.
- 1956 to 1959 – He started as a Lecturer.
- 1959 to 1962 – He became a Reader.
- 1963 to 1976 – He was made a Professor of Genetics.
His important work was recognized by many. On 18 March 1965, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.
He also received two major awards for his scientific contributions:
- 1974 – The Darwin Medal from the Royal Society.
- 1975 – The Linnean Medal (Gold Medal) for Zoology. This was from the Linnean Society of London.
Studying Moths and Snails
Philip Sheppard was very interested in how genes affect animal populations. He focused a lot on lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) and land snails.
He met another scientist, Cyril Clarke, through an insect magazine. Sheppard had placed an advert for swallowtail butterfly pupa (the stage before a butterfly). They became friends and started working together. They both shared a love for studying insects.
In 1961, Sheppard started a special group of scarlet tiger moths. He set up this colony near the Wirral Way in West Kirby, Merseyside. After Sheppard's death, Cyril Clarke rediscovered these moths in 1988. Clarke continued to watch them to see how their population changed over time.
Research on Rh Disease
Besides his work with animals, Philip Sheppard also made important contributions to human health. He worked with Sir Cyril Clarke on Rh disease. This is a medical condition that can affect babies during pregnancy. Their research helped improve understanding and treatment for this disease.
Personal Life
Philip Sheppard married Patricia Beatrice Lee in 1948. They had three sons together.
He passed away on 17 October 1976, at the age of 55. He died from a serious illness called acute leukemia.
