August Weismann
German biologist and geneticist, germinal theory
Born
January 17th, 1834
191 years ago
Died
1914
111 years ago — 80 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Germany
Links & References
A prominent German biologist and geneticist contributed significantly to the understanding of heredity. Weismann proposed the germ plasm theory, which posited that only the germ cells are responsible for inheritance, thus challenging the ideas of acquired traits being passed to offspring. His work laid the foundation for modern genetics. Weismann's research included investigations into the development and mechanisms of evolution, reinforcing the notion of a separation between somatic and germ cells. His ideas influenced future genetic research and the formulation of evolutionary theory.
Proposed germ plasm theory in genetics
Conducted pioneering research in evolution
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