Progenitor (noun)

A person or organism from whom an individual, group, or species is descended or originates; an ancestor or forefather.

Origin:

From the latin progenitor, meaning "ancestor, forefather" . it was first used in english in the 17th century.

Examples:

1. He was regarded as the progenitor of the modern detective novel.
2. She was considered the progenitor of the feminist movement.
3. The company was the progenitor of many innovative technologies.
4. The progenitor of the species was a small, furry mammal.
5. He was acknowledged as the progenitor of the current generation of leaders.