Lynn Margulis

Lynn Margulis was an influential American biologist renowned for her work on the theory of endosymbiosis, which proposes that complex cells (eukaryotes) originated through the merging of simpler cells (prokaryotes). She suggested that certain cellular organelles, like mitochondria and chloroplasts, were once independent bacteria that entered into symbiotic relationships with other cells. This groundbreaking concept helped reshape our understanding of evolution, highlighting cooperation and collaboration in nature. Margulis also advocated for the significance of symbiosis in biological development, challenging more traditional views of evolution focused solely on competition. Her research has had a lasting impact on biology and evolutionary theory.