Question

Darwin's theory of pangenesis shows similarity with the theory of inheritance of acquired characters then what shall be correct according to it:

• A. Useful organs become strong and developed while useless organs become extinct. These organs help in struggle for survival
• B. Size of organs increase with aging
• C. Development of organs is due to will power
• D. There should be some physical basis of inheritance

Answer 1

The correct option is D There should be some physical basis of inheritance

The physical basis of inheritance are the genes on the chromosome. Charles Darwin proposed pangenesis where all cells in an organism are capable of shedding gemmule which congregates in the gonads. Lamarck's idea was that modifications that occur during an organism's lifetime are passed on to its offspring. So according to both these theories, there should be some physical basis for inheritance.
The statements useful organs become strong and developed while useless organs become extinct, Size of organs increase with aging and development of organs is due to will power are all incorrect. For example, we use our eyes every day but our eyesight retards with age.