In entomology:
* Ant colony behavior: Wilson is best known for his groundbreaking work on ant colonies. He was among the first to study how ants communicate and organize their societies. He discovered the importance of pheromones in ant communication and mapped out the complex social structures of ant colonies.
* Island Biogeography: Along with Robert MacArthur, he developed the theory of island biogeography. This theory explains the relationship between the size of an island and the number of species it can support. This theory is still influential in conservation biology.
In sociobiology:
* Sociobiology as a discipline: Wilson is considered the founder of sociobiology, a discipline that seeks to explain the biological basis of social behavior in animals, including humans.
* Evolutionary basis of behavior: He argued that many aspects of human behavior, including altruism, aggression, and even morality, have evolutionary roots. This idea was controversial and sparked debates about the role of nature versus nurture in human behavior.
Other contributions:
* Biodiversity conservation: Wilson was a strong advocate for biodiversity conservation. He wrote extensively about the importance of protecting the planet's natural resources and the need to address the global biodiversity crisis.
* Biophilia: He proposed the "biophilia hypothesis" which suggests that humans have an innate tendency to connect with nature. This concept has influenced the design of buildings and cities and is now a major focus of research in environmental psychology.
Beyond discoveries, Wilson also made significant contributions through:
* Writing: He wrote numerous popular and scientific books, including "Sociobiology," "On Human Nature," "The Ants," and "Half-Earth," which have helped to make his work accessible to a wide audience.
* Teaching: He was a renowned professor at Harvard University, where he mentored and inspired generations of scientists.
While Wilson may not have discovered specific genes or new species, his work helped to reshape our understanding of the natural world and our place within it. His contributions continue to influence research and inspire conservation efforts.