A Profound Loss to Zoological Science: Remembering Prof. Amos Ar

The School of Zoology mourns the passing of a pioneering physiologist whose work brilliantly bridged fundamental science and wildlife conservation.

It is with great sadness that the Faculty of Life Sciences and the School of Zoology announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Amos Ar. The Head of the https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/profile/amosaSchool of Zoology, Prof. Yoni Belmaker, shared with faculty members and students that this is a profound loss to zoological science in Israel, alongside a personal tribute written by Professor Ar’s close friend and colleague, Professor Emeritus Yoram Yom-Tov:

"Amos was a physiologist who gained worldwide recognition for his research. One may view Amos’s scientific career as an allegory for the writing of a scientific paper: beginning with an idea emerging from extensive and profound knowledge of biology and physiology, continuing through the development of research methods and the construction of sophisticated experimental systems—sometimes using improvised means—and culminating in rigorous analysis of results. His broad expertise in diverse fields, including statistics, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics, enabled him to work independently and integrate ideas into a coherent, clear, and original scientific vision. In my view, Amos was among the most original, thorough, insightful, and successful scientists I have known."

From Fish to Mammals: Five Decades of Respiratory Research

Professor Ar was an anchor of the Tel Aviv University academic community for over five decades. Throughout his long tenure as both a researcher and educator, he mentored generations of students and played a central role in shaping the teaching of zoology in Israel. His research encompassed a remarkably wide range of animals, spanning invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Many of his studies focused on birds, demonstrating how body size relates to a broad array of morphological, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of eggs and embryos. He focused heavily on the physiology of respiration and gas exchange in unique environments, embryonic gas exchange in vertebrates, and the roles of various gases during embryonic development, while deeply investigating eggshell permeability, the respiratory function of the placenta, and the intricate interactions between the embryo and the incubating parent.

Applied Science and Species Conservation

Alongside his fundamental research, Professor Ar consistently integrated applied, real-world applications into his work. He collaborated closely with the poultry industry and environmental conservation organizations to improve both artificial and natural incubation techniques for eggs of commercially valuable species, as well as those threatened with extinction. His research not only yielded critical data but also led to the formulation of broad principles and general laws, often based on allometric relationships, describing how physiological systems function across different animal groups. His exceptional ability to synthesize specific findings into far-reaching insights reflected the true depth of his scientific vision.

Leadership in the Zoological Community

Beyond his monumental contributions to research and education, Professor Ar left a lasting impact on the broader Israeli scientific community through his long-standing dedication to the Zoological Society of Israel, where he served as Chair and actively participated in its endeavors for many years.

The community of the Faculty of Life Sciences and the School of Zoology extends its deepest condolences to the Ar family.