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Difficulty: EasyLamarck's Theory of Evolution

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed an early mechanism to explain evolutionary change. Which of the following statements correctly describes a fundamental principle of his theory?

  1. Physical traits acquired through the frequent use or disuse of body parts during an organism's lifetime are transmitted to its offspring.Answer
  2. B
    Organisms with inherited genetic variations that favor survival are naturally selected to reproduce.
  3. C
    Environmental conditions trigger beneficial gene mutations that alter an organism's DNA structure.
  4. D
    New species arise primarily due to reproductive isolation and genetic drift in small populations.

Answer

Physical traits acquired through the frequent use or disuse of body parts during an organism's lifetime are transmitted to its offspring.
The correct answer accurately states Lamarck's central hypothesis: organisms adapt during their lifetime through the use or disuse of structures, and these acquired somatic changes are passed down to offspring.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary mechanism proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
Lamarck postulated that environment-driven need causes organisms to use or disuse certain body parts, altering their physical structures.
This establishes the law of use and disuse.
2
Determine how Lamarck believed these physical alterations were passed to subsequent generations.
He claimed that these acquired somatic alterations are directly inherited by offspring.
This is known as the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Key Concept

Lamarck's Theory of Evolution (Use and Disuse, Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics)
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Topics

Lamarck's Theory of Evolution

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