Alfred Sturtevant is known for his contribution in

Options

A. naming the Y chromosome
B. preparing first chromosomal map for Drosophila
C. discovery of mitotic crossover in Drophila
D. preparing first chromosomal map for garden pea

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Introduction to Alfred Sturtevant**: Alfred Sturtevant was an American scientist known for his significant contributions to the field of genetics.

2. **Context of Genetics**: Prior to Sturtevant's work, Gregor Mendel had established the basic principles of inheritance, proposing that traits are passed from parents to offspring through discrete factors (now known as genes).

3. **Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance**: While Mendel laid the groundwork, the mechanisms of inheritance were not fully understood. Sturtevant contributed to the understanding of these mechanisms by introducing the concept of chromosomes as carriers of genetic information.

4. **Creation of the First Chromosomal Map**: In 1913, Sturtevant created the first chromosomal map using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. This map illustrated the linear arrangement of genes on chromosomes and allowed for the concept of gene loci, which refers to the specific locations of genes on a chromosome.

5. **Significance of Sturtevant's Work**: The chromosomal map was crucial for understanding genetic linkage and the relative positions of genes, which laid the foundation for modern genetics and genetic mapping.

6. **Conclusion**: Alfred Sturtevant is best known for his pioneering work in creating the first chromosomal map, which has had a lasting impact on the study of genetics.