Question

Consider the following statements relating to evolution and answer the question.

(i) Organisms are products of a history of descent with modification.
(ii) Characteristics acquired by an organism during its lifetime are inherited by its offspring.
(iii) The goal of evolution is to adapt organisms to the environment.
(iv) Evolutionary change is brought about by natural selection.

The theory of evolution presented in Darwin's "The Origin of Species" depended on what combination of these statements?

Which combination of the above statements best reflects Lamarck's theory of evolution?

• A. (i)
• B. Both (i) and (ii)
• C. (ii)
• D. Both (ii) and (iv)
• E. (iii)

Answer 1

The correct option is C (ii)

The inheritance of acquired characteristics is a hypothesis that physiological changes acquired over the life of an organism (such as the enlargement of a muscle through repeated use) may be transmitted to offspring. It is also commonly referred to as the theory of adaptation equated with the evolutionary theory of French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck known as Lamarckism. Thus, option C is correct. Lamarckism does not reflects organisms are products of a history of descent with modification (Darwinism), the goal of evolution is to adapt organisms to the environment and evolutionary change is brought about by natural selection (Darwinism). Thus, other options are wrong.