While other scientists made contributions before him, Mendel's meticulous work with pea plants in the mid-19th century laid the foundation for our understanding of inheritance. He formulated the basic principles of heredity, which are still fundamental to modern genetics.

Here's why Mendel is considered the "father":

* Rigorous experimentation: Mendel conducted controlled breeding experiments with pea plants, carefully tracking traits over generations.

* Statistical analysis: He applied mathematical principles to his observations, revealing patterns of inheritance.

* Laws of inheritance: From his research, he formulated the laws of segregation and independent assortment, which explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Although his work was initially overlooked, it was rediscovered in the early 20th century and became the cornerstone of modern genetics.