The scientist known for the laws of inheritance is Gregor Mendel. Often referred to as the "father of genetics," Mendel was an Austrian monk who conducted groundbreaking experiments with pea plants in the mid-1800s. His meticulous research led to the formulation of Mendelian inheritance principles, including concepts such as dominant and recessive traits. Mendel's work laid the foundation for the field of genetics, explaining how traits are passed from one generation to the next. Despite the initial lack of recognition, his findings gained prominence in the 20th century, revolutionizing our understanding of heredity.