Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) was a German naturalist and explorer known for his contributions to various scientific fields, including geography, ecology, and meteorology. He is often regarded as the father of modern geography due to his innovative approach to studying the relationship between nature and human activity. Humboldt's extensive travels, particularly in South America, allowed him to gather vast amounts of data on plants, animals, and landscapes. His work laid the foundation for many scientific disciplines, influencing later figures such as Charles Darwin and contributing to the development of environmental science.