Definition

Proper noun: - A Soviet agronomist and biologist. He is primarily known for his controversial theories in genetics and agriculture, which rejected Mendelian genetics in favor of the idea that acquired characteristics could be inherited. His work was officially promoted in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, despite a lack of scientific evidence, and had a significant negative impact on Soviet agricultural and biological sciences.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The policies of Trofim Denisovich Lysenko led to the persecution of many geneticists in the Soviet Union.
  • Historians of science often study the career of Trofim Denisovich Lysenko as a classic case of the politicization of science.

Advanced Usage

• "Lysenkoism": The term derived from his name, referring to the pseudo-scientific doctrines and practices he promoted.
  • The legacy of Trofim Denisovich Lysenko is most enduringly captured by the term "Lysenkoism," which denotes the suppression of scientific dissent.

Variants and Related Words

• Lysenkoism (noun): The theory and associated practices, denying Mendelian genetics and claiming that environmental factors can directly and heritably alter an organism's traits.
  • Lysenkoism set back Soviet biology for decades.

Synonyms

• Soviet agronomist (context-specific)
• Proponent of Michurinism (a related doctrine)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Lysenkoist policies": Refers to agricultural or scientific policies based on his discredited ideas.
  • The failure of the Lysenkoist policies contributed to crop shortages.

Noun

1. Soviet geneticist whose adherence to Lamarck's theory of evolution was favored by Stalin (1898-1976)