Progenitors are the original ancestors or forebears from whom a particular lineage or group descends. In biology, they refer to the earliest forms of a species that give rise to later generations. Understanding progenitors helps scientists trace evolutionary paths and study genetic traits. In a broader context, the term can also apply to influential figures or ideas that inspire later developments in various fields, such as art, science, or philosophy. For example, Charles Darwin is often considered a progenitor of modern evolutionary theory, shaping how we understand the diversity of life on Earth.