What was Gregor Mendel's most significant contribution to genetics?

Gregor Mendel's most significant contribution to genetics lies in his use of quantitative methods to analyze inheritance patterns in pea plants. Mendel meticulously counted the traits of each generation and crafted mathematical ratios to describe how these traits segregated and assorted independently. Through this approach, he established the foundational principles of inheritance, now known as Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment.

These quantitative analyses allowed Mendel to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses with remarkable accuracy, paving the way for future genetic research. His work was groundbreaking because it shifted the focus of genetics from purely observational methods to a more systematic and data-driven approach, which is essential for the development of the field. This methodological innovation is what truly set Mendel apart, as it provided a framework for understanding heredity that scientists still use today.