Explain the lamarcks theory in evolution, Biology

Assignment Help:

Explain the Lamarck's Theory in evolution?

Prior to Darwin, most people believed in and held to the creationist viewpoint that species were created in their current forms, which have not changed. In 1809, Jean Baptiste Lamarck proposed a new theory of evolution. He used the fossil record to explain how different adaptations arose.

Lamarck's theory incorporated the following ideas. He thought that organisms had an "inner need" to become better adapted to their environments. This, he thought, would explain the trend that organisms had toward greater and greater complexity observed in the fossil record. Secondly, Lamarck, along with others, felt that organisms are able to gradually lose characteristics that were not used over time, and further, that they could develop those characteristics that were "needed" to aid in their survival. Lastly, Lamarck thought that these newly acquired characteristics, or traits, could be passed on to future generations - this came to be known as the inheritance of acquired traits.

Today, of course, we know that there is no evidence that supports Lamarck's theory. Increasing muscle mass and strength by exercise does not alter the gene that carries that trait. This means that a runner who trains and develops running prowess is not able to pass on acquired increased muscle mass and strength to his or her offspring. Although Lamarck's Theory was ultimately replaced, Lamarck is still credited with formulating a plausible theory that was accepted by many.

 

 


Related Discussions:- Explain the lamarcks theory in evolution

Foot as burrowing organ, Foot as Burrowing Organ The Scaphopoda that ...

Foot as Burrowing Organ The Scaphopoda that usually have burrowing habit, possess foot suitably modified for burrowing purpose. The conical and protrusible foot of Dentalium

What is the probability that their child have alkaptonuria, A recently marr...

A recently married man and woman discover that each had an uncle with alkaptonuria, otherwise known as "black urine disease," a rare disease caused by an auto somal recessive allel

Cellular level - level of body organization, Cellular level - Level of body...

Cellular level - Level of body organization The next higher level of organization is the cellular level. This is really an aggregation of cells that are functionally different

How does caffeine effect plant growth, How does caffeine effect plant growt...

How does caffeine effect plant growth? Minerals like potassium are often found alongside caffeine when it happens in plant sources like coffee beans, and that could help the pl

Chemical stress - nature of the solutes, Chemical Stress - Nature of the so...

Chemical Stress - Nature of the solutes The acidic or basic reaction of soil and water of a particular habitat reflects its geochemical history beginning with its formation an

Percentage ratio of ash in honey, Q. Percentage ratio of ash in honey? ...

Q. Percentage ratio of ash in honey? Standards allow ash content in honey up to 0.5 per cent, but the ash of genuine honey seldom exceeds 0.35 per cent. It is determined by cha

How does menstrual cycle begin, Does the hypophysis-ovaries endocrine axis ...

Does the hypophysis-ovaries endocrine axis work in the same way during pregnancy as in non-pregnant women? If pregnancy does not occur how does another menstrual cycle begin? T

Define technique of paper chromatography, Define Technique of Paper chromat...

Define Technique of Paper chromatography? Paper chromatography is used as 1. Ascending, 2. Descending or 3. Horizontal technique (circular paper chromatography) It is De

Congenital defects related to kidney/upper urinary tract, Congenital Defect...

Congenital Defects Related to Kidney/Upper Urinary Tract i) Renal Agenesis  A new born baby with this condition may show low set ears, flat nose, prominent epicanthic

What is microtubules, What is Microtubules? Microtubules are the largest...

What is Microtubules? Microtubules are the largest intracellular fibers, with a diameter of about 25 nm (2.5 x 10-8 meters). They consist of hollow fibers composed of a protein

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd