Haeckels

Haeckels is a surname of German origin. In English-language use, the form is typically encountered as Haeckel or, less commonly, as Haeckels in possessives or plurals referring to individuals with the surname. The most prominent historical figure associated with the name is Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), a German biologist, naturalist, and philosopher whose work spanned zoology, embryology, and the popularization of Darwin's theories.

Ernst Haeckel made extensive studies of unicellular and multicellular organisms, described numerous species, and helped popularize evolutionary ideas in Germany. He proposed the biogenetic law, or recapitulation theory, summarized as ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, a view that influenced 19th-century biology but later fell out of favor due to evidence against it.

His artistic side is reflected in the illustrated book Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms of Nature, published beginning in 1899), which showcased intricate drawings of radiolarians and other organisms and influenced both science and the arts.

Terms associated with his work include Haeckel's embryos and Haeckel's larva, referring to embryological drawings that played a role in scientific and popular discourse. Some of the early drawings have been criticized for embellishment, reflecting the contested reception of his visual representations as science evolved. The surname Haeckels also persists as a modern family name carried by contemporary individuals.