Lamarck's Theory of Inheritance Debate

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Questions and Answers

According to Lamarck's theory, what is the main reason organisms develop new traits?

  • The inheritance of acquired characteristics from parents
  • The need to adapt to changing environmental factors (correct)
  • Genetic mutations that occur randomly in the organism's DNA
  • The organisms' desire to evolve

Which of the following is NOT a basic postulate of Darwinism?

  • Individuals within a species show variations.
  • Species tend to produce more offspring than can survive.
  • There is a struggle for existence between organisms.
  • Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to pass on their traits to offspring. (correct)

The theory of evolution by natural selection proposes that changes in a population occur due to:

  • The intentional desire of organisms to adapt to their environment
  • The influence of environmental factors on the development of organisms
  • The inheritance of acquired characters over generations
  • The differential survival and reproduction of individuals based on their traits (correct)

In the context of Lamarck's theory, what is meant by 'inheritance of acquired characters'?

<p>The inheritance of traits that are acquired through learning or experience. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between Lamarck's theory and Darwin's theory of evolution?

<p>Lamarck's theory emphasizes the inheritance of acquired traits while Darwin's emphasizes natural selection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Activity 4.5, 'Debating the origin of life'?

<p>To encourage students to think critically about different perspectives on the origin of life. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'struggle for existence' as described by Darwin?

<p>A competition between organisms for resources such as food, water and space. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Darwin's theory, what is meant by 'variation under nature'?

<p>The variations in traits and characteristics that exist within a population of organisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Lamarckism

The theory proposing organisms pass acquired traits to offspring.

Inheritance of acquired characters

The concept that traits developed during an organism's lifetime can be inherited by offspring.

Use and disuse of organs

The idea that organs become stronger with use and weaker with disuse in organisms.

Speciation

The process where new species arise from previously existing species due to accumulated changes over generations.

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Darwinism

The theory of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing survival of the fittest.

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Natural selection

The process where individuals with beneficial traits survive and reproduce more effectively than others.

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Geometric increase

The idea that species produce more offspring than can survive in their environment.

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Struggle for existence

The competition among organisms for limited resources in their environment.

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Study Notes

Lamarck's Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics

  • Proposed in 1809
  • New needs: Environmental factors (light, temperature, food etc.) lead to organisms needing to change habits or behavior
  • Use and disuse of organs: The greater use of certain organs strengthens them, while less use weakens them
  • Inheritance of acquired characteristics: Favorable, acquired characteristics are passed on to offspring
  • Speciation: Gradual accumulation of acquired characteristics over generations leads to new species

Activity 4.5 Debating the Origin of Life

  • Students are assigned to groups based on theories: creationists, spontaneous generationists, etc.
  • Each group prepares a case for their theory and presents it for five minutes
  • The group is questioned by other members for five minutes
  • Remaining members vote on the debate, not personal opinions

Lamarck's Use and Disuse

  • Suggests that if a structure or process is used constantly, it develops, but unused ones diminish.
  • Giraffe example: Over time straining for higher branches made their necks longer.

Inheritance of Acquired Traits

  • Lamarck believed traits acquired during a lifetime could be passed to offspring.
  • Example: Giraffes developing longer necks.
  • This idea is now disproven by genetics.

Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection

  • Proposed by Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
  • Darwin's observations on the Galapagos Islands influenced his theory
  • Geometric increase: Organisms produce more offspring than can survive
  • Struggle for existence: Competition for limited resources
  • Variation under nature: Individuals within a species vary
  • Natural selection: Favorable traits increase survival and reproduction

Basic Postulates of Darwinism

  • Geometric increase: Organisms produce more offspring than can survive
  • Struggle for existence: Competition for resources
  • Variation under nature: Individuals within a species have variations

Origin of Species

  • Over long periods, suitable individuals survive, and the environment causes changes.
  • Adaptations lead to new traits in organisms
  • Species gradually become distinct from their ancestors as they adapt to the environment in several generations.

Neo-Darwinism

  • Combines Darwin's theory with genetic knowledge
  • Explains how traits are passed down better

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