Maria Sibylla Merian

Pioneer of insect science

Maria Sibylla Merian

German naturalist and illustrator (1647-1717).

When most believed insects were 'born from mud,' she raised them herself and documented metamorphosis with stunning accuracy and artistry. At 52 she sailed to the jungles of Suriname to study tropical insects — an extraordinary expedition for any scientist of her era, let alone a woman.

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Maria Sibylla Merian is one of the historical characters you can play as in Rubicon, a trivia game where you answer in your own words and an AI judge reads what you meant. Maria Sibylla Merian is filed under Nature & Animals, and is strongest at Nature & Animals and Arts & Culture.

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