Mendelian inheritance

What was discovered

By crossing peas over eight years he deduced that traits are inherited as discrete units (dominant and recessive) that segregate and combine independently in mathematical proportions.

Ignored for 34 years; Fisher suggested his data were 'too good'.

What it led to

• genetics (after its rediscovery in 1900)
• chromosome theory
• genetic improvement of crops and livestock
• medical genetics

Built on

• plant hybridisation (Kölreuter, Gärtner)
• statistics

Made possible

• Rediscovery of Mendel's laws1900
• Sex linkage1910
• Modern evolutionary synthesis1930-1942
• genetic analysis
• genetic counselling

📄 Original publication

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