Lorenz, Konrad (1903–89)

Konrad lorenz was an Austrian zoologist who is best known for his founding of the science of ethology, which is the study of animal behavior and is also associated with the work of Nikolaas Tinbergen. Lorenz graduated in the field of medicine, following in his father's footsteps, and then began a career of academic study, interrupted by a period of service in the German army during World War II. He was captured on the Russian front and not repatriated until 1948. Subsequently he joined the Max Planck Institute and the brilliance of his work enabled him to rise to high office within that prestigious organization. His work combines careful observation with a lucid style, which makes it accessible to nonspecialist readers.

Lorenz viewed ethology as a ...