I don’t think the beginner is more likely than the expert to make important discoveries. Everyone has equal chance to make important discoveries.We could consider the four major premises for a discovery to support the above opinion-experience and knowledge, couriosity and endless make efforts.
The beginners are lack of experience and professional knowledge compared to the experts.
Example: archaeology-It is easier for experienced experts than the rookies to discover an ancient palace with the comprehensive considerations of religion,terrain and history.
Everyone who could keep the couriosity all the time will make important discoveries.
Example:Some scientists keep the couriosity as a child all their life,such as Feiman. Some dull students who have lost their interests to their majors and study just like the examination machine will not achieve any meaningful discovery.
There are several years of hard working behind most sucessful moment.
Example:Among the latest published Chinese most authorized scientific achievement praises,75% of them took 3-5years.
Take the example that lots of team includes both the young and the elder ones to support - it depends on individuals.