Gregor Johann Mendel

Mendel, Gregor Johann (1822–84), Austrian botanist and Augustinian monk who laid the foundations of the science of genetics. His results with experiments on dwarf pea plants provided a mechanism justifying Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection; however, contemporary lack of interest and his unsuccessful experiments with the hawkweeds discouraged him from carrying this work further. Only in 1900, when scientists found his published results, was the importance of his work realized.

See also: Genetics; Heredity.