Turner, Charles Henry (1867-1923), was an African American scientist who made important advances in comparative psychology and the study of animal behavior. Working with honey bees and other invertebrates (animals without backbones), Turner developed several experimental techniques to measure learning and other behaviors in animals. Many of the techniques he developed are still used by scientists today.
In his work, Turner observed a particular circular pattern of movement by some species of ants. He determined that the pattern of movement, called Turner’s circling, enabled the ants to locate their nest. Turner was the first scientist to show that insects can hear sounds and that honey bees can see colors and recognize patterns. He demonstrated that the animals often use these abilities to navigate and find their way home.
Turner also wrote on social and educational issues of the day. He was a leader in the civil rights movement in St. Louis, Missouri, and was instrumental in developing social services for African Americans in the St. Louis area.
Turner was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Feb. 3, 1867. He studied biology at the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 1891 and earning a master’s degree there in 1892. He held teaching positions at various schools, including the University of Cincinnati from 1891 to 1893 and Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1893 to 1905. In 1907, he received his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Chicago. Turner taught at Sumner High School in St. Louis from 1908 until his retirement in 1922. He died on Feb. 14, 1923.
