Who is recognized as the father of genetics and inheritance?

Gregor Mendel is recognized as the father of genetics and inheritance due to his pioneering work on the inheritance of traits in pea plants. Through his meticulous experiments and observations, Mendel discovered the fundamental laws of inheritance, which include the concepts of dominant and recessive traits, as well as the independent assortment of genes. His work laid the foundation for the field of genetics, establishing key principles that would later be confirmed by modern science.

Mendel's methodologies, incorporating the use of controlled breeding and statistical analysis, allowed him to formulate the laws that would define genetic inheritance. Although other scientists contributed to evolutionary theory and biological understanding, Mendel's contribution specifically addresses the mechanisms of inheritance, classifying him as a pioneering figure in genetics. Thus, his role in outlining how traits are passed from one generation to the next earns him the title of the father of genetics.