Biology · Variation and Genetics
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The idea that acquired characters are inherited is part of:
- A
Darwinism
- B
Neo Darwinism
- C
Lamarckism
- D
Biogenesis
The correct answer is Lamarckism, which is a theory of evolution proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. This theory suggests that organisms can pass on traits they acquire during their lifetime to their offspring, such as a giraffe stretching its neck to reach higher leaves and then passing that longer neck on to its descendants. In contrast, Darwinism focuses on natural selection and does not support the inheritance of acquired traits, while Neo Darwinism integrates genetics into Darwin's ideas but also rejects Lamarckian inheritance. Biogenesis relates to the origin of life rather than the inheritance of traits in evolutionary biology.
Darwinism is based on the theory of natural selection, which emphasizes the survival of the fittest and does not support the idea that acquired traits can be inherited.
Neo Darwinism incorporates genetics into Darwinian evolution but still does not endorse the inheritance of acquired characters; it focuses on genetic variation as the primary means of evolution.
Lamarckism posits that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring, making it the correct answer to the question.
Biogenesis refers to the principle that living organisms arise from pre-existing life, and it does not relate to the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Tagged under Biology · Variation and Genetics · 2025