What was the name of Carl Sagan's first wife, a renowned biologist?

Carl Sagan’s first wife was Lynn Margulis, the renowned evolutionary biologist. They married in 1957 while both were connected with the University of Chicago, and their marriage ended in 1964.

Margulis later became one of the most important advocates of the endosymbiotic theory, which explains how complex cells acquired structures such as mitochondria and chloroplasts through ancient partnerships between simpler organisms. Her work helped establish symbiosis as a major force in evolution, although her ideas initially faced strong resistance.

Sagan and Margulis had two sons, Dorion and Jeremy Sagan. Their scientific careers developed in different directions: Sagan became famous for astronomy, planetary science, and science communication, while Margulis became known for evolutionary biology, microbiology, and her research on the origins of complex cells.

A common mix-up involves Sagan’s later marriages. Linda Salzman was his second wife, and Ann Druyan was his third wife and long-term creative collaborator. Druyan co-wrote and co-produced Cosmos with Sagan, but she was not his first wife.