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

Effect on knee extensor muscle during the step cycle, Healthy Person X is w...

Healthy Person X is walking on level ground.  Which of the following is true for the knee extensor muscle of X's right leg during the step cycle? A. The right knee extensor mus

Describe splitting sequence of s2, Describe Splitting sequence of S 2 ? ...

Describe Splitting sequence of S 2 ? Even though the pulmonary valve closes at about 20 mm Hg and aortic valve at 100 mm Hg, the aortic closure occurs first as the impendence

Explain about vitamin D, Vitamin D (Calciferol - vitamin D2) The main f...

Vitamin D (Calciferol - vitamin D2) The main forms are Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol-plant origin) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol-animal origin). Vitamin D2 forms colourless, aci

Agriculture - degradation of ecosystem, Agriculture - Degradation of Ecosys...

Agriculture - Degradation of Ecosystem Agriculture whether traditional or modern involves intervention and modification of the natural ecological systems. Ever since man has s

Where do the two neuronal pathways diverge, Where do the two neuronal pathw...

Where do the two neuronal pathways diverge For both the neuronal pathways i.e. light reflex and near reflex the efferent fibres go to are 3rd cranial nerve and then to sphinct

Synthesis of sucrose, Many of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate produced by th...

Many of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate produced by the Calvin cycle in chloroplasts is exported to the cytosol and used to produce the disaccharide, sucrose. 1 st the   glyceralde

Explain hormonal proteins, Explain Hormonal proteins Hormonal proteins ...

Explain Hormonal proteins Hormonal proteins coordinate the bodily activities. Various peptide and protein hormones (such as insulin and growth hormone) carry information tha

Are body planes important for identifying structure, Q. Are body planes imp...

Q. Are body planes important for identifying anatomical structure? In order to observe and study structural arrangement of the internal organs, body may be divided and sectione

Long-term follow-up results , Long-term Follow-up Results :  To evaluate t...

Long-term Follow-up Results :  To evaluate the long-term results of surgery, one has to take into consideration the natural history, results of medical treatment and that of PTCA.

Cells, What surrounds a plant cell

What surrounds a plant cell

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