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Difficulty: MediumCell Biology, Genetics, and Evolution

Match the evolutionary theories and biological principles in List-I with their primary explanatory mechanisms in List-II:

  • LamarckismPhenotypic modifications developed through the use and disuse of organs in response to the environment are inherited by progeny.
  • DarwinismDifferential survival and reproductive success of organisms bearing favorable heritable traits drive evolutionary adaptation.
  • Mutation TheoryEvolution proceeds through sudden, discontinuous single-step large variations (saltation).
  • Germplasm TheoryInheritance operates exclusively through reproductive germ cells, ensuring somatic changes are not transmitted across generations.

Answer

Lamarckism corresponds to the inheritance of acquired traits via use and disuse; Darwinism corresponds to differential survival and reproductive success driving adaptation; Mutation Theory corresponds to sudden discontinuous variations; and Germplasm Theory corresponds to genetic transmission occurring strictly through germ cells.
Each evolutionary concept is correctly paired with its foundational principle: Lamarckism with the inheritance of acquired characteristics through use and disuse; Darwinism with natural selection via differential reproduction; Mutation Theory with sudden, discontinuous saltatory changes; and Germplasm Theory with the strict segregation and heritability of germline cells.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the foundational mechanism of Lamarckism
Lamarckism matches with phenotypic modifications developed through use and disuse being inherited.
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed that environmental needs induce physiological changes in somatic organs which are then transmitted to subsequent generations.
2
Identify the foundational mechanism of Darwinism
Darwinism matches with differential survival and reproductive success of organisms with favorable traits.
Charles Darwin established natural selection as the mechanism whereby organisms possessing beneficial variations survive and reproduce at higher rates.
3
Identify the core principle of Hugo de Vries's Mutation Theory
Mutation Theory matches with evolution proceeding through sudden, discontinuous single-step large variations.
Hugo de Vries posited that speciation is caused by sudden, discrete genetic alterations (saltations) rather than gradual continuous variations.
4
Identify the core concept of August Weismann's Germplasm Theory
Germplasm Theory matches with inheritance operating exclusively through reproductive germ cells.
August Weismann experimentally showed that changes in the somatoplasm cannot reach the germplasm, precluding the inheritance of acquired somatic traits.

Key Concept

Foundational Theories and Mechanisms of Biological Evolution
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Cell Biology, Genetics, and Evolution

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