Trofim Lysenko

Biologist known for Lysenkoism

Trofim Lysenko - Biologist known for Lysenkoism
Born

September 29th, 1898
126 years ago

Died

November 20th, 1976
48 years ago — 78 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Ukraine

Links & References

Born in 1898, a biologist and agronomist achieved prominence in the Soviet Union through the promotion of Lysenkoism, which rejected Mendelian genetics in favor of a theory based on the inheritance of acquired characteristics. This approach aligned with Marxist ideology and gained favor within Soviet agricultural policies during the 1930s and 1940s. The individual's influence led to widespread adoption of practices that prioritized ideological conformity over scientific rigor, resulting in significant agricultural failures and setbacks in genetics research. Active in academia and government, this figure's legacy is marked by controversies surrounding the implications of applied Lysenkoist policies in the Soviet Union.

Promoted Lysenkoism in Soviet agriculture

Opposed genetic research and Mendelian principles

Held leadership positions within Soviet science

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