Who is known for discovering the fundamental laws of inheritance?

The individual recognized for discovering the fundamental laws of inheritance is Gregor Mendel. Mendel, often referred to as the father of genetics, conducted pioneering research on pea plants in the mid-1800s. Through careful breeding experiments, he elucidated the principles of heredity, formulating what are now known as Mendel's laws, which include the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment. These laws describe how traits are inherited from one generation to the next and laid the groundwork for the field of genetics.

Mendel's work remained largely unrecognized during his lifetime and only gained prominence decades later, but it fundamentally changed the understanding of biological inheritance. His meticulous methodology and focus on quantitative analysis set a precedent for future genetic studies. In contrast, the other individuals listed, while significant in their respective fields, focused on different scientific principles: Charles Darwin on evolution, Louis Pasteur on microbiology and vaccination, and Albert Einstein on physics and the theory of relativity.