Ernst Marcus (zoologist)

Ernst Marcus (1893-1968) was a German zoologist specializing in invertebrate zoology, particularly the study of marine and freshwater microfauna. He made significant contributions to the knowledge of groups such as tardigrades (water bears), bryozoans (moss animals), and especially gymnolaemate bryozoans.

Born in Berlin, Marcus received his doctorate from the University of Berlin in 1920. Facing increasing persecution under the Nazi regime due to his Jewish background, he emigrated to Brazil in 1936. He subsequently established a distinguished career at the University of São Paulo, where he taught and conducted research for many years.

Marcus is best known for his meticulous morphological descriptions and taxonomic revisions of various invertebrate taxa. His work provided detailed anatomical analyses, contributing greatly to our understanding of the phylogeny and evolutionary relationships within these groups. His publications, often written in German, English, and Portuguese, remain important references for researchers in invertebrate zoology.

His wife, Eveline du Bois-Reymond Marcus (1901-1990), was also a distinguished zoologist who collaborated with him on many projects, particularly in the study of opisthobranch molluscs. The combined work of Ernst and Eveline Marcus had a profound impact on the development of zoology in Brazil and on the broader understanding of invertebrate diversity.