Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Ten Pioneers Who Shaped Our Understanding of Genetic Inheritance

Scientists have been making discoveries regarding inheritance (i.e., how genetic information is passed from parent to offspring), and how that information is expressed, for almost 200 years now. Please pick 10 key individuals that have made major contributions to our understanding of the genetic basis of inheritance and write a short (~800 words) summary connecting these contributions. For example, how did Thomas Morgan use the discoveries of Nettie Stevens to develop the concept of sex-linked inheritance? Once you have your 10 individuals in mind, focus on how the process of science involves building on the discoveries of others (as Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants…”).

For this paper, you will need to do some research outside of the textbook and make connections between your research and the class textbook as well as with your personal life.