Lamarck's Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characters
Explains evolution based on the use and disuse of organs and the inheritance of traits acquired during an organism's lifetime.
What is Lamarck's Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characters?
Traits that are developed by an organism during its lifetime in response to environmental influences or its own activities, and are not genetically determined.
Key points
- To understand Lamarck's proposed mechanism for evolution.
- To identify the two main principles of Lamarckism.
- To recognize the limitations and reasons for the rejection of Lamarck's theory.
Common exam trap
Confusing acquired traits with inherited genetic traits.
Definitions
- Term
Acquired Characters
- Meaning
Traits that are developed by an organism during its lifetime in response to environmental influences or its own activities, and are not genetically determined.
- Term
Use and Disuse of Organs
- Meaning
Lamarck's principle stating that organs that are frequently used become more developed, while those that are rarely used tend to degenerate.
Learning objectives
To understand Lamarck's proposed mechanism for evolution.
To identify the two main principles of Lamarckism.
To recognize the limitations and reasons for the rejection of Lamarck's theory.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of heredity.
Concept of adaptation.
Understanding of biological variation.
Common mistakes
Confusing acquired traits with inherited genetic traits.
Believing that Lamarck's theory is currently accepted as the primary mechanism of evolution.
Overlooking the role of genetics in inheritance.
Keywords
Lamarckism
Inheritance of Acquired Characters
Use and Disuse
Evolution
Giraffe
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Practice preview
According to Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characters, which of the following is a primary driver of evolution?…
easy
According to Lamarck, if a blacksmith develops strong arm muscles through his work, this acquired trait would be:…
medium
If Lamarck's theory were correct, what would be the expected outcome for a population of humans living in a very cold environment for many generations?…
hard