The principle of scientific inquiry illustrated in this scenario is the concept of building upon existing knowledge. Here's how this principle is demonstrated in the situation provided:
1. Building on Previous Discoveries: Thomas Morgan's discovery of sex linkage inheritance in fruit flies in 1910 built upon Gregor Mendel's earlier work with garden peas in 1865. Morgan's findings extended and expanded the understanding of inheritance patterns beyond what Mendel had initially observed.
2. Advancing Scientific Knowledge: By using the foundation laid by Mendel's work, Morgan was able to delve deeper into the mechanisms of inheritance, uncovering new patterns and connections. This progression from one discovery to another showcases the iterative nature of scientific inquiry.
3. Connecting Ideas: Morgan's work demonstrated the interconnectedness of scientific findings across different experiments and species. It exemplifies how scientists can use past knowledge to inform and guide their current research, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of biological processes.
In essence, the principle highlighted here is the importance of building on prior scientific knowledge to advance understanding and make new discoveries. It underscores the collaborative and cumulative nature of scientific inquiry, where each breakthrough paves the way for further exploration and insights into the natural world.
