Question

Who propounded the biological evolution theory of use and disuse of organs.

Answer 1

The biological evolution theory of use and disuse of organs was propounded by Lamarck. He is a French naturalist who gave the theory of evolution. His theory is also known as Lamarckism. His theory was based on the hypothesis of:

1. Use and disuse of organs
2. Inheritance of acquired characters

He said that evolution of life forms has occurred by the driving force i.e., use and disuse of organs. Use of an organ leads to the strengthening and disuse leads to the weakening of that organ. He gave the example of Giraffes and explained that the ancestors of giraffe were bearing a small neck and forelimbs. But in attempt to eat (forage) the leaves on tall trees, they had to stretch their necks.