G. Ledyard Stebbins

G. Ledyard Stebbins was an influential American botanist known for his pioneering work in evolutionary biology, particularly in plants. He introduced the concept of "polyploidy," where organisms have more than two sets of chromosomes, which can lead to new species. His research helped explain how plants evolve and adapt, emphasizing the importance of genetic variation. Stebbins also contributed to the understanding of plant taxonomy and ecology. His work laid the foundation for modern plant genetics and evolution, making significant impacts on both botany and our understanding of biological diversity.