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Difficulty: HardLamarck's Theory of Evolution

According to Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's theory of evolution, an organ subjected to continuous and increased functional demand during an organism's lifetime undergoes structural hypertrophy, and this acquired modification is directly transmitted to subsequent generations.

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Answer

True. Lamarck's evolutionary model explicitly combines organ development through functional use (hypertrophy) with the transgenerational inheritance of acquired physical characteristics.
The statement is true because Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's evolutionary mechanism fundamentally relies on two interconnected ideas: that increased functional demand causes organ development and hypertrophy within an organism's lifetime, and that these acquired somatic traits are preserved and passed to offspring.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine Lamarck's first postulate concerning organ modification during an individual's lifetime.
Lamarck proposed that increased environmental need leads to increased organ usage, resulting in physical enlargement and enhanced development (hypertrophy) of the affected somatic structure.
This establishes the principle of use and disuse within an organism's lifespan.
2
Examine Lamarck's second postulate concerning transgenerational transmission.
Lamarck asserted that physical changes acquired by an individual through use or disuse during its lifetime are directly inherited by its progeny.
This links individual somatic adaptation to evolutionary changes across generations.
3
Evaluate the accuracy of the statement against Lamarckian theory.
The statement correctly combines both fundamental postulates of Lamarckism without introducing modern genetic concepts.
Confirms the statement as true.

Key Concept

Lamarck's Postulates of Use/Disuse and Inheritance of Acquired Traits
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Topics

Lamarck's Theory of Evolution

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