Question

How does Lamarckism explain the evolution of long-necked and long-legged giraffe?

Answer 1

Lamarckism Theory:

1. According to Lamarck's organic evolution theory, the simplest forms of plant and animal life are the result of spontaneous production.
2. He believed that life had become more diverse as a result of two distinct types of causes.

Hypothesis of acquired traits' inheritance:

1. The hypothesis of acquired trait inheritance was proposed by Lamarck.
2. Organisms, according to the hypothesis, adapt to their changing environments.
3. Characteristics that emerge within the organism are passed down to future generations.
4. This hypothesis was supported by a classic example involving giraffe necks.

Adaptations of the giraffe:

1. He noticed that the giraffe's neck kept growing with each generation as it brought up its neck to reach the leaves on higher branches.
2. Its descendants would inherit the long neck, and further stretching over many generations would elongate it significantly.
3. This concept is called the law of use and disuse.