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What did Aristotle study on the island of Lesbos?

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Marble bust of Aristotle with a beard and draped robe, showing detailed facial features and wavy hair, set against a dark background. — Aristotle Aristotle, detail of a Roman copy (2nd century bce) of a Greek alabaster portrait bust (c. 325 bce); in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome.

While living in the city of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos, Aristotle conducted extensive scientific research, focusing primarily on zoology and marine biology.12

During this period, he performed detailed observations of a wide variety of organisms, documenting their anatomy, diet, habitat, and reproductive systems. His work included the classification of more than 500 species into genus and species, ranging from mammals and reptiles to fish and insects. These investigations were foundational to his later biological treatises, such as The History of Animals, On the Parts of Animals, and On the Generation of Animals.1

Aristotle’s research on Lesbos was characterized by a commitment to empirical observation, where he insisted that theories must conform to observed phenomena. His work was remarkably advanced for his time, including the accurate identification of mammalian characteristics in whales, dolphins, and porpoises.12