Mendelian inheritance refers to the process by which traits are passed down from one generation to another in a predictable manner following the laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel. There are several different terms that can be used synonymously with Mendelian inheritance, including the principles of inheritance, Mendelism, classical genetics, and the laws of Mendelian genetics. Regardless of the specific term used, all refer to the same concept of genetic inheritance first discovered by Mendel, and which continues to be an important area of study in modern genetics. Understanding Mendelian inheritance is critical for predicting and controlling genetic traits in both humans and other organisms.