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

Describe the significance of micronucleus., Describe the significance of mi...

Describe the significance of micronucleus. One of two types of dimorphic nuclei found in ciliate protozoans. The single micronucleus contains only one copy of the genome and is

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex The Pyru...

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex The Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) is one of the single central enzymes of aerobic metabolism. After completion of this animation you shoul

Sharps-hazards in biology laboratory, SHARPS : Cuts due to careless handli...

SHARPS : Cuts due to careless handling of sharps such as sectioning razors, microtome blades etc. are probably the most common cause of injury in the biology lab. The only real re

Primitive arthropods, Primitive Arthropods The primitive arthropods, O...

Primitive Arthropods The primitive arthropods, Onychophora (for example Peripatus) have a series of paired legs which are not jointed but have a ringed appearance because of t

A light microscope with unlimited resolution, Theoretically you can build a...

Theoretically you can build a light microscope with unlimited magnification, but can you build a light microscope with unlimited resolution? Why or why not? (Hint: what really cont

Describe dextran , Dextran is a glucose polymer where the glucose re...

Dextran is a glucose polymer where the glucose residues are mainly related by α1-6 bonds. Moreover, a few branches also happen. These are classically formed by α1-2, α1-3 or α1-4 b

Mutual interrelationship among individuals of a community, Mutual interrela...

Mutual interrelationship among individuals of a community Mutual interrelationship includes all the direct and indirect effects that organisms have upon each other. The three r

Cell organelle that is specializing in aerobic respiration, Q. Which is the...

Q. Which is the cell organelle that is specializing in aerobic respiration? The mitochondria are cell organelles that are specialized in aerobic respiration. Q. Of which ma

Explain tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins, Explain Tertiary str...

Explain Tertiary structure and Quaternary structure of proteins Tertiary structure Secondary structure, in turn, folds back and bonds to itself in a three-dimensional mann

Types of retaining structure, What are the types of evaluation of lateral e...

What are the types of evaluation of lateral earth forces acting on retaining structures? This section seeks to introduce you to the evaluation of lateral earth forces acting on

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