SUMMARY. The article is dedicated to the outstanding Ukrainian and American evolutionist, zoologist, geneticist Teodosiy Dobzhansky (1900–1975). The life path and the genetic studies of the evolutionary process as the main scientific achievements of the scientist were described, he was one of the founders of the modern synthetic theory of the evolution. T. Dobzhansky was the founder of the direction of the experimental studies of the evolution – the study of the isolating mechanisms that prevent the interbreeding of individuals of different species. He confirmed that forming the complex of the isolating factors (geographical, ecological, ethological, reproductive, etc.) is an integral part of the speciation process, and collectively they ensure the integrity of the gene pool of a new species. In his research, the scientist combined the theories of Darwinism and the latest genetic data. The main issues considered by Dobzhansky were as follows: mutation as a source of hereditary variability; the role of chromosomal rearrangements; extent and types of variability in natural populations; natural selection; origin of species due to polyploidy; origin of species due to the constant development of insulating mechanisms; species concept etc. T. Dobzhansky began researching the pleiotropic effects of genes. Later, he ingeniously understood the significance of gene mutations in the evolutionary process. Another direction of Dobzhansky’s research is approaches to the synthesis of genetics, evolutionary theory, anthropology and sociology in understanding the evolution of the human nature. The scientist defended the concept of the diversity of human races at the scientific level. He resolutely condemned pseudo-scientific «theories» about the superiority of some races over the others, scientifically grounded the absurdity of racism.
Keywords: Teodosiy Dobzhansky, population genetics, synthetic theory of evolution
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