Died 22 January 2013 | ||
Richard Bruce Root (7 September 1936 - 22 January 2013) was a professor of evolutionary biology, ecology and entomology.
He was an important contributor to the field of ecology, and is best known for introducing the concept of the ecological “guild”. This concept is found in his doctoral research paper focused on defining the ecological niche and comparing the niche dimensions of the blue-gray gnatcatcher with other insectivorous bird species.
Root's first scientific article was published in 1967, which was also his doctoral thesis titled “The niche exploitation pattern of the blue-gray gnatcatcher”. His research later shifted focus from insectivorous birds to focusing on the insects themselves (Cornell University memorials 2013). According to the Cornell University department of ecology and evolutionary biology his research in later years concentrated mostly on trends in the traits, functions, and affinities of the arthropods associated with goldenrods. The significance of his research is still resonating within the field of ecology; the concept of a guild introduced by him has become a fundamental part of ecological literature.
Awards and honours
Root received many prestigious awards including the eminent ecologist award in 2003 and Odum award in 2004 both presented to him by the Ecological Society of America. He was also the recipient of the Edgerton career teaching award in 2003, presented to him by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.