Who is known for their work on genetic inheritance using pea plants?

Gregor Mendel is renowned for his foundational work on genetic inheritance through his experiments with pea plants. In the mid-19th century, he conducted a series of meticulous experiments that revealed the fundamental laws of heredity. By cross-breeding different varieties of pea plants, Mendel was able to demonstrate how traits are passed down from one generation to the next, laying the groundwork for the field of genetics. His work identified the inheritance patterns of specific traits, leading to the formulation of Mendel's laws of inheritance, which include the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment. This pioneering research not only advanced the understanding of heredity at the time but also provided a crucial basis for modern genetic study. Mendel's discoveries were largely unrecognized during his lifetime, but they later became pivotal in biology and genetics.

The other individuals mentioned are known for their contributions in different areas. Charles Lyell was a geologist, known for his work on the principles of geology. James Hutton is often regarded as the father of modern geology due to his theories on the earth's processes. Herbert Spencer was a philosopher and sociologist, associated with the idea of social Darwinism but not with genetics.