# David Starr Jordan

> American ichthyologist and educator (1851-1931)

**Wikidata**: [Q290343](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q290343)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Starr_Jordan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-starr-jordan

## Summary
David Starr Jordan was an American ichthyologist and educator (1851–1931) who made foundational contributions to fish taxonomy and marine biology. He is best known for his work at Stanford University, where he established the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory, and for his influential publications on fish systematics and evolution.

## Biography
- Born: January 19, 1851, in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington (1872), Master’s degree from Indiana University (1873), Ph.D. from Indiana University (1875)
- Known for: Pioneering work in fish taxonomy and marine biology
- Employer(s): Butler University, Indiana University Bloomington, Cornell University, Stanford University
- Field(s): Ichthyology, zoology, marine biology

## Contributions
- Established the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory at Stanford University in 1891, which became a leading center for fish research.
- Published *A Manual of the Freshwater Fishes of California* (1884), a foundational work in ichthyology.
- Co-authored *The Freshwater Fishes of Indiana* (1883) with David R. Davis, documenting the state’s ichthyofauna.
- Described numerous new fish species, including *Percina jordani* (Jordan’s darter) and *Gila jordani* (Jordan’s gila topminnow).
- Served as president of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (1909–1910).
- Advocated for conservation and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
- Published *The Fishes of the Pacific Coast* (1889), a comprehensive study of marine and freshwater fish in the region.
- Founded the *Proceedings of the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory*, a key publication in ichthyology.
- Led expeditions to collect and study fish specimens, contributing to global ichthyological knowledge.

## FAQs
### What were David Starr Jordan’s major scientific contributions?
David Starr Jordan is best known for his work in ichthyology, including the establishment of the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory and the publication of *A Manual of the Freshwater Fishes of California* (1884). He also co-authored *The Freshwater Fishes of Indiana* (1883) and described several new fish species.

### Where did David Starr Jordan study and work?
Jordan earned his degrees from Indiana University Bloomington and worked at Butler University, Indiana University, Cornell University, and Stanford University. He founded the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory in 1891.

### What is David Starr Jordan most famous for?
Jordan is most famous for his pioneering work in fish taxonomy and marine biology, including the establishment of the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory and his influential publications on fish systematics.

### What awards and honors did David Starr Jordan receive?
Jordan served as president of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (1909–1910) and was recognized for his contributions to ichthyology and conservation.

### How did David Starr Jordan influence modern science?
Jordan’s work laid the foundation for modern ichthyology, influencing generations of scientists through his research, publications, and the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory, which became a leading center for fish studies.

## Why They Matter
David Starr Jordan’s work had a profound impact on ichthyology and marine biology. His establishment of the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory in 1891 provided a dedicated space for fish research, attracting scholars and contributing to global ichthyological knowledge. His publications, such as *A Manual of the Freshwater Fishes of California* (1884) and *The Fishes of the Pacific Coast* (1889), became foundational texts in the field. Jordan’s advocacy for conservation and his descriptions of new fish species, including *Percina jordani* and *Gila jordani*, expanded our understanding of aquatic ecosystems. His leadership in the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists and his mentorship of students further shaped the discipline. Jordan’s legacy endures through his contributions to fish taxonomy, conservation, and the establishment of a leading ichthyological research center.

## Notable For
- Establishing the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory in 1891, a leading center for fish research.
- Publishing *A Manual of the Freshwater Fishes of California* (1884), a foundational work in ichthyology.
- Co-authoring *The Freshwater Fishes of Indiana* (1883) with David R. Davis.
- Describing numerous new fish species, including *Percina jordani* and *Gila jordani*.
- Serving as president of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (1909–1910).
- Advocating for conservation and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
- Publishing *The Fishes of the Pacific Coast* (1889), a comprehensive study of marine and freshwater fish.
- Founding the *Proceedings of the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory*, a key publication in ichthyology.
- Leading expeditions to collect and study fish specimens, contributing to global ichthyological knowledge.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
David Starr Jordan was born on January 19, 1851, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 1872, his Master’s degree in 1873, and his Ph.D. in 1875. His early education laid the foundation for his future contributions to ichthyology and marine biology.

### Scientific Contributions and Research
David Starr Jordan made significant contributions to ichthyology through his research and publications. He established the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory at Stanford University in 1891, which became a leading center for fish research. Jordan published *A Manual of the Freshwater Fishes of California* (1884), a foundational work in ichthyology, and co-authored *The Freshwater Fishes of Indiana* (1883) with David R. Davis. He described numerous new fish species, including *Percina jordani* (Jordan’s darter) and *Gila jordani* (Jordan’s gila topminnow), expanding our understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

### Leadership and Advocacy
Jordan served as president of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists from 1909 to 1910. He advocated for conservation and the protection of aquatic ecosystems, influencing modern approaches to environmental stewardship. His leadership and mentorship in the field of ichthyology shaped the discipline and inspired future generations of scientists.

### Publications and Legacy
David Starr Jordan’s publications, including *The Fishes of the Pacific Coast* (1889) and the *Proceedings of the Stanford Ichthyological Laboratory*, became key resources in ichthyology. His work laid the foundation for modern fish taxonomy and marine biology. Jordan’s legacy endures through his contributions to ichthyology, conservation, and the establishment of a leading research center at Stanford University.

### Awards and Honors
David Starr Jordan received recognition for his contributions to ichthyology and conservation. His work was influential in the field, and he was respected for his leadership and scientific achievements. His legacy continues to inspire researchers and conservationists in the study of fish and aquatic ecosystems.

## References

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