Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characters was disproved by Weismann.
Statement (II): According to Weismann, variations produced in somatic cells are inherited while variations produced in germ cells are not inherited to the next generation.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Weismann's germplasm theory says germ cell changes are inherited while somatic changes are not.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Lamarck said that characters acquired during life are passed to the next generation. August Weismann tested this idea.

Step 2: Statement (I)
Weismann cut the tails of mice for about 20 generations and the young were still born with normal tails. This disproved Lamarck's theory, so Statement (I) is correct.

Step 3: Statement (II)
According to the germplasm theory, changes in germ cells are inherited while changes in somatic cells are not. Statement (II) reverses this, so it is incorrect.

Step 4: Conclusion
Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.

Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct and Statement (II) is incorrect. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.}} \]