Lynn Margulis
Biologist who showed cells evolved by teaming up.
Their Story
Lynn Margulis was an evolutionary biologist who proposed that some parts of complex cells were once separate, free-living bacteria. This idea, called endosymbiosis, was doubted at first but is now widely accepted. Her work changed how scientists understand the history of life.
Era
1900s
Field
Evolutionary Biology
Lynn Margulis
Biologist who showed cells evolved by teaming up.
Science · Evolutionary Biology · 1900s · Women in STEM
Their Story
Lynn Margulis was an evolutionary biologist who proposed that some parts of complex cells were once separate, free-living bacteria. This idea, called endosymbiosis, was doubted at first but is now widely accepted. Her work changed how scientists understand the history of life.
Key Innovation
Advanced the theory of endosymbiosis, explaining how complex cells evolved from simpler ones.
Why It Matters Today
Her idea is now a core part of biology, helping students understand how life became complex.
Learn More
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn_Margulis
Wilkinson STEM Education Foundation · 251 American Innovators · wilkinsonstemfoundation.org
