Who proposed the concept that an organism can pass on acquired modifications to its offspring?
Correct answer: A. Lamarck
- A. Lamarck
- B. Darwin
- C. Malthus
- D. Aristotle
Explanation
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744-1829) proposed the theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism. He suggested that organisms can pass on traits they acquire during their lifetime to their offspring. For example, he believed that giraffes developed long necks because they stretched to reach leaves, and then passed this trait to their offspring.However, this theory was later disputed and largely discredited by the scientific community, particularly after the discovery of genetics and the modern synthesis of evolution.
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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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