Which of the following best describes the theory proposed by Lamarck?

Study for the NEET Biology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions enriched with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Lamarck's theory is best described by the concept of inheritance of acquired characteristics. He suggested that organisms could adapt to their environments during their lifetimes and that these adaptations could then be passed on to their offspring. For example, he proposed that if an organism used a particular part of its body more intensely, that part would become stronger or more developed, and this change would be inherited by the next generation.

This idea laid some foundational thoughts about evolution, suggesting a dynamic relationship between organisms and their environment, although it has been largely discredited in light of modern genetics and Darwinian evolution, which emphasizes natural selection and genetic inheritance as the main mechanisms of evolution. Lamarck's theory highlights the early attempts to understand how species change over time, contributing to the discussion of evolution, despite its limitations compared to more contemporary theories.

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