LYSENKO Meaning and
Definition
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Lysenko refers to Trofim Denisovich Lysenko, a Soviet biologist and agronomist who gained prominence during the mid-20th century. Born on September 29, 1898, in Ukraine, Lysenko developed an unorthodox and pseudoscientific theory known as Lysenkoism, which heavily influenced agricultural practices in the Soviet Union.
Lysenkoism rejected many established principles of classical genetics and embraced the concept of acquired characteristics. Lysenko argued that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime could be passed on to subsequent generations, challenging the widely accepted principles of Mendelian inheritance. His theory dismissed the role of genes as the primary determinants of heredity, emphasizing instead the influence of environmental factors. Lysenko argued that by manipulating environmental conditions, such as exposing crops to certain conditions during growth, one could induce desirable traits in plants.
Lysenkoism gained political favor in the Soviet Union under the rule of Joseph Stalin. Lysenko's ideas were seen as aligned with the principles of Marxism, as they emphasized the potential influence of environmental factors on the development of organisms. This led to the suppression and persecution of scientists who opposed Lysenko's theories, contributing to a major setback in Soviet biology and agriculture.
Today, the term "Lysenko" or "Lysenkoism" is commonly used to describe pseudoscientific theories propagated by individuals or governments for ideological or political motives. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of suppressing scientific freedom and promoting unfounded theories that can impede progress and knowledge advancement.
Common Misspellings for LYSENKO
Etymology of LYSENKO
The word "Lysenko" is derived from the surname of Trofim Denisovich Lysenko, a Soviet biologist and agronomist. Lysenko was a prominent figure in Soviet science during the mid-20th century, known for his controversial theories on biology and agriculture. His ideas were predominantly based on the theories of Lamarckism, which suggested that acquired characteristics could be inherited. Lysenko's influence in Soviet biology was immense, as his ideas were officially endorsed by the Soviet government. However, his theories were ultimately discredited by the broader scientific community. Despite this, the term "Lysenkoism" is often used to refer to the politicization of scientific research or the suppression of dissenting views in a particular field.
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