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Which condition can be explained by Lamarckism?

Correct answer: D. All of these

  • A. How giraffes got their long neck
  • B. How humans lost their tails
  • C. How humans became bipedal
  • D. All of these

Explanation

Lamarckism posits that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. In the case of giraffes, it is suggested that their long necks evolved as they stretched to reach higher foliage, a trait they would then pass on. Similarly, humans are thought to have lost tails as they stopped using them, and this change could be inherited. The adaptation to bipedalism might also represent a trait developed through use and then transmitted to future generations. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of these,' as each option exemplifies the principles of Lamarckian inheritance. The other options, while individually relevant to Lamarckism, do not encompass the broader concept as effectively as the correct answer.

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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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