One of the most renowned figures in genetics is Gregor Mendel, often referred to as the "Father of Genetics." His pioneering experiments with pea plants in the 19th century laid the groundwork for understanding inheritance patterns and the principles of heredity. Mendel's work revealed how traits are passed down from one generation to the next, introducing concepts such as dominant and recessive traits. His findings went largely unrecognized during his lifetime but eventually gained prominence, significantly influencing the field of genetics and later contributing to the development of modern genetics, including the understanding of genes and DNA.