TeXes Science Practice Test

Who is considered the Father of the Modern Science of Genetics?

1. Charles Darwin

2. Gregor Mendel

3. James Watson

4. Francis Crick

The correct answer is: Gregor Mendel

Gregor Mendel is widely recognized as the Father of the Modern Science of Genetics due to his foundational work on inheritance patterns in pea plants in the mid-19th century. Mendel meticulously conducted experiments and formulated the basic laws of heredity, which laid the groundwork for understanding how traits are passed from one generation to another. His insights, which were initially unrecognized, became crucial to the development of modern genetics once rediscovered in the early 20th century. Mendel's principles, including the concepts of dominant and recessive traits, segregation, and independent assortment, are fundamental to the field of genetics. These ideas have set the stage for the exploration of genetic variation, evolution, and the molecular mechanisms behind heredity. Understanding Mendel's contributions highlights the importance of systematic research and experimentation in the advancement of scientific knowledge.