Question:
The idea of inheritance of acquired characters was proposed by:
The idea of inheritance of acquired characters was proposed by:
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Lamarck = Use and disuse of organs, inheritance of acquired characters.
Darwin = Natural selection, survival of the fittest.
De Vries = Mutations, saltation.
Weisman = Disproved Lamarckism via Germ Plasm theory.
Darwin = Natural selection, survival of the fittest.
De Vries = Mutations, saltation.
Weisman = Disproved Lamarckism via Germ Plasm theory.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
- Weisman
- Lamarck
- Darwin
- Devries
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the name of the scientist who proposed the theory of the inheritance of acquired characteristics during the history of evolutionary biology.
Step 2: Key Concept and Approach:
The inheritance of acquired characteristics (also called soft inheritance or Lamarckism) is the physiological hypothesis that physiological changes acquired over the lifetime of an organism can be transmitted to its offspring.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck: In 1809, French naturalist Lamarck proposed that evolution was driven by the use and disuse of organs.
He argued that organs which are used extensively become larger and stronger, and these acquired improvements are passed on to subsequent generations.
His classic example was the elongation of the giraffe's neck as it stretched to reach higher leaves.
• Other Options: August Weisman disproved Lamarckism using his germ plasm theory (cutting tails of mice over generations).
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection.
Hugo de Vries proposed the mutation theory of evolution.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The idea of inheritance of acquired characters was proposed by Lamarck, corresponding to Option (B).
The question asks for the name of the scientist who proposed the theory of the inheritance of acquired characteristics during the history of evolutionary biology.
Step 2: Key Concept and Approach:
The inheritance of acquired characteristics (also called soft inheritance or Lamarckism) is the physiological hypothesis that physiological changes acquired over the lifetime of an organism can be transmitted to its offspring.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck: In 1809, French naturalist Lamarck proposed that evolution was driven by the use and disuse of organs.
He argued that organs which are used extensively become larger and stronger, and these acquired improvements are passed on to subsequent generations.
His classic example was the elongation of the giraffe's neck as it stretched to reach higher leaves.
• Other Options: August Weisman disproved Lamarckism using his germ plasm theory (cutting tails of mice over generations).
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection.
Hugo de Vries proposed the mutation theory of evolution.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The idea of inheritance of acquired characters was proposed by Lamarck, corresponding to Option (B).
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