Theodosius Dobzhansky

Theodosius Dobzhansky (APS 1942) was one of the most influential geneticists of the 20th century. His work on Drosophila (fruit flies) helped scientists to reconcile Darwin’s theories regarding natural selection with established ideas about heredity. Dobzhansky’s research drew upon the work of geneticists and naturalists to better understand how species evolve over time.

Many geneticists were fond of Dobzhansky, whom they affectionately nicknamed “Doby” or “Dodik.” When Dobzhansky deposited his papers at the APS, a number of his colleagues and students were inspired to do the same. Today, historians and scientists can make use of the Society’s extensive genetics collection.

black and white photograph of a man (Dobzhansky) with his back to the camera working with a fly maze

Photograph of Theodosius Dobzhansky and his “Fly Maze,” R. F. Carter, 1965. APS. Theodosius Dobzhansky Papers.

pencil and purple ink drawings of beetles on tan background

Coccinellid (Ladybug) Data, Theodosius Dobzhansky, c. 1920. Facsimile of original drawing. APS. Theodosius Dobzhansky Papers.

black text on white paper background with imprint of gorillas in upper left hand corner

1st page of Letter to Theodosius Dobzhansky, Jane Goodall, 1973. Inks on paper. APS. Theodosius Dobzhansky Papers.

black text on white paper background with imprint of gorillas in upper left hand corner

2nd page of Letter to Theodosius Dobzhansky, Jane Goodall, 1973. Inks on paper. APS. Theodosius Dobzhansky Papers.

black and white photograph of three men with nets catching flies

Dobzhansky Collecting Flies in Brazil, unknown, 1965. Photograph. APS. Theodosius Dobzhansky Papers.

black typewritten text on white paper background

1st page of Letter to Theodosius Dobzhansky, Ernst Mayr, 1974. Inks on paper. APS. Theodosius Dobzhansky Papers.

black typewritten text on white paper background

2nd page of Letter to Theodosius Dobzhansky, Ernst Mayr, 1974. Inks on paper. APS. Theodosius Dobzhansky Papers.