Georg Wilhelm Steller was an 18th-century German naturalist and explorer, born on March 10, 1709. He is best known for his work in the Russian Empire, particularly during the Great Northern Expedition, where he studied the flora and fauna of Alaska. Steller's observations contributed significantly to the understanding of the region's biodiversity. Steller is also recognized for describing several species, including the Steller's sea cow, which was later driven to extinction. His detailed notes and illustrations laid the groundwork for future scientific exploration and helped establish the field of natural history in the Arctic and North Pacific regions.