Moderate

What are parts of Lamarck's theory of evolution?

Correct answer: D. All of these

  • A. Individuals lose traits that they don't need
  • B. Acquired characteristics are heritable
  • C. Individuals gain characteristics they need
  • D. All of these

Explanation

Lamarck's theory of evolution was influential for a time, but it is no longer accepted by scientists. We now know that acquired characteristics are not heritable and that evolution is driven by natural selection, not by the inheritance of acquired characteristics. However, Lamarck's theory did make some important contributions to our understanding of evolution. For example, he was one of the first scientists to recognize that organisms change over time and that these changes can be passed on to offspring.

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About Evolution

Evolution describes heritable change in populations over generations through variation, natural selection and adaptation. Lamarckism explains inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwinism explains selection of favourable inherited variations; these historical explanations must not be confused with the modern genetic account of evolutionary change.

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