Gregor Mendel pioneered the understanding of genetics and heredity through his groundbreaking experiments with pea plants. Conducting meticulous crossbreeding studies, Mendel uncovered the principles of inheritance, detailing how traits are passed from parents to offspring. His formulation of the laws of segregation and independent assortment laid the groundwork for modern genetic theory. Despite the initial neglect of his work, Mendel's findings gained recognition long after his death, influencing the fields of biology and agriculture. His contributions are foundational, earning him the title of the “father of genetics” and shaping subsequent research in hereditary principles and genetic engineering.