E.O. Wilson’s Field Lab

The museum’s newest exhibit highlights Dr. E.O. Wilson’s ground-breaking research of fire ants. Renowned biologist E.O. Wilson, fascinated by the intricate social structures of ants, particularly the invasive fire ants, conducted groundbreaking research shedding light on their behavior. Wilson, a Mobile, Alabama native, drew from his childhood experiences exploring the local biodiversity, igniting his lifelong passion for ecology. Mobile’s rich biodiversity and proximity to the Gulf Coast provided Wilson with invaluable insights into the interplay between species and ecosystems. While in this replica of Dr. Wilson’s lab, guests can observe the behavior of ants and the surprising link this invasive species has to the Port of Mobile.