A "progenitor" refers to an ancestor or a forebear, particularly one that is considered the origin or source of a lineage. This term is often used in biological contexts to describe the first organism or species from which others have descended. Progenitors can also be significant in discussions about genetics, where they contribute to the traits and characteristics of future generations. In a broader sense, the term can apply to ideas, movements, or innovations that serve as a foundation for subsequent developments. For example, a founder of a particular philosophy or movement can be seen as a progenitor of the ideas that follow.