Alexander von Humboldt – the founder of phytogeography (to the 250th anniversary of his birthday)

Abstract

Objective – to elucidate of life way, contribution to foundation and development of phytogeography, plant introduction and conservation of phytodiversity eminent German geographer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. Material and methods. Analysis of Humboldt’s scientific works and publications about his life and scientific works and publications about his life and scientific activities is made. Results. Achievements of Alexander von Humboldt in development of natural sciences are regarded. The scientific activities as founder of physical geography, comparable climatology and phytogeography are characterized. Importance of Humboldt’s phytogeographical concepts for plant introduction and conservation of plant diversity are underlined. Conclusion. Written in first half of XIX century scientific works of Alexander von Humboldt are actual in our time. These works are modern in interpretation of many phytogeographical problems.

Keywords

• Alexander von Humboldt
• phytogeography
• South America
• plant introduction
• conservation of phytodiversity