Henry Walter Bates was an English naturalist and explorer who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of natural history. He was born in Leicester, England in 1825 and was the youngest of seven children. His father was a hosier and his mother was a schoolteacher. From an early age, Bates was fascinated by the natural world and spent much of his time exploring the countryside around his home.
Bates was educated at the Leicester Proprietary School and then went on to study at the University of London. He graduated in 1845 with a degree in natural history and soon after began working as a clerk in the British Museum. During this time, he was able to further his knowledge of natural history and began to develop an interest in entomology.
In 1848, Bates was invited to join the Royal Geographical Society and soon after began planning an expedition to the Amazon. He was joined by his friend Alfred Russel Wallace and the two set off in 1848. During their expedition, they collected thousands of specimens of plants and animals, including many new species. Bates and Wallace also wrote extensively about their experiences and observations, which were later published in a book entitled The Naturalist on the River Amazons.
Bates returned to England in 1859 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1860. He continued to work at the British Museum and also wrote several books on natural history. In 1864, he was appointed as the first professor of zoology at the University of Oxford.
Bates was a pioneer in the field of natural history and his work had a major influence on the development of evolutionary theory. He was also a strong advocate for the conservation of natural resources and was one of the first to recognize the importance of preserving habitats.
Bates died in 1892 and is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of natural history. His work has had a lasting impact on the field and his legacy continues to be celebrated today.