Question: Who is known as the “Father of Geography”?
- Aristotle
- Eratosthenes
- Herodotus
- Ptolemy
Answer: B. Eratosthenes
Father of Geography Solution:
The title “Father of Geography” is often attributed to the ancient Greek scholar Eratosthenes. He made significant contributions to the field, particularly through his work in measuring the Earth’s circumference and developing a system of latitude and longitude. Eratosthenes was not only a mathematician but also a geographer and astronomer, showcasing the interconnectedness of these disciplines. His method of calculating the Earth’s size involved comparing the angles of shadows in different locations, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity for his time. This foundational work laid the groundwork for modern geography, earning him the esteemed title of the Father of Geography.
Eratosthenes was a Greek mathematician, geographer, astronomer, and poet. He is credited with being the father of geography because he was the first person to use the word “geography” and he made many important contributions to the field, Father of Geography including:
- Calculating the circumference of the Earth
- Inventing the discipline of geography
- Writing the first comprehensive treatise on geography
Robert Hooke discovered the cell, the basic unit of life, in 1665. While examining a thin slice of cork under a microscope, Hooke observed small, box-like structures that he named “cells,” derived from the Latin word “cellula,” meaning small room. His groundbreaking work, detailed in his book “Micrographia,” laid the foundation for cell theory. Although Hooke discovered cells in plant material, it was later scientists like Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who observed living cells, and Schleiden and Schwann, who contributed to the understanding of cell function. Thus, Robert Hooke’s discovery of the cell revolutionized biology and our understanding of life.