5.2. Tabulate the difference between Lamarck's theory of evolution and Darwin's theory of evolution.
5.3. Explain whose idea of evolution is more acceptable today.
Answer (2)
Lamarck's theory of evolution focused on inheritance of acquired traits, while Darwin's theory emphasized natural selection as the mechanism of evolution. Today, Darwin's theory is more widely accepted due to its strong support from scientific evidence and modern genetics. This understanding highlights the gradual changes in species over generations through survival and reproduction of the fittest individuals.
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To understand the differences between Lamarck's and Darwin's theories of evolution, we must first know what each theory entails.
5.2. Tabulate the difference between Lamarck's theory of evolution and Darwin's theory of evolution:
Basis of Theory:
Lamarck's Theory: Known as the Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics, it suggests that organisms can acquire traits during their lifetime and pass these traits on to their offspring.
Darwin's Theory: Known as the Theory of Natural Selection, it proposes that organisms with traits that give them a survival advantage are more likely to reproduce and pass those traits to the next generation.
Mechanism of Change:
Lamarck's Theory: Changes occur due to an organism's usage or disuse of certain traits or organs over its lifetime (e.g., the giraffe's neck becomes longer because they stretch to reach high leaves).
Darwin's Theory: Changes occur due to natural variations, and those with beneficial traits are 'selected' by nature through survival of the fittest (e.g., giraffes with naturally longer necks survive better and reproduce more).
Role of Environment:
Lamarck's Theory: Direct influence of the environment results in changes in organisms' traits.
Darwin's Theory: The environment acts as a filter, favoring beneficial variations that already exist.
Inheritance of Traits:
Lamarck's Theory: Acquired traits are heritable and can be passed down to the next generation.
Darwin's Theory: Only genetic traits (those that are inherited) can be passed down, not acquired traits.
5.3. Explain whose idea of evolution is more acceptable today:
Today, Darwin's theory of evolution is more widely accepted and supported by scientific evidence due to the discovery of genetics and the understanding of how traits are inherited. The mechanism of natural selection aligns well with genetic studies and has been observed in various species over time. Lamarck's ideas about the inheritance of acquired characteristics have largely been discredited because acquired traits, such as muscles built through exercise, are not passed on to offspring in the genetic material. However, recent scientific studies in epigenetics have shown some environments can influence genetic expression in ways that have certain parallels to Lamarck's ideas, but this does not equate to his theory being fully correct in the context Lamarck proposed.
