Walter M. Fitch

Walter M. Fitch is a prominent American biologist known for his contributions to the fields of evolutionary biology and molecular genetics. He is particularly recognized for his work on the molecular clock hypothesis, which uses genetic mutations to estimate the time of evolutionary changes and the divergence of species. Fitch's research has significantly advanced our understanding of how DNA sequences can reveal relationships among organisms and trace their evolutionary history. His pioneering studies have influenced various scientific disciplines, including phylogenetics and the understanding of genetic variation.