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Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics

Other theories of evolution proposed that changes in an organism over its lifetime could be passed on to its children. The most famous of these theories was Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics. In giraffes, he argued:

Long necks

Long necks

  • Giraffes have very long necks, which allow them to reach the upper branches of trees to feed (eat).
Early giraffes

Early giraffes

  • Earlier giraffes had shorter necks and so would have to stretch to reach their food.
Stretching

Stretching

  • Continual stretching resulted in the elongation of giraffe necks within a lifetime.
New characteristic passed on

New characteristic passed on

  • Lamarck believed that this newly-acquired characteristic would then be passed on to the next generation.
    • Lamarck's theory has since been disproven. Changes that happen in an animal's lifetime are NOT passed on to future generations.
Jump to other topics
1

Cell Biology

1.1

What's in Cells?

1.2

Cell Division

1.3

Transport in Cells

2

Organisation

2.1

Principles of Organisation

2.2

Enzymes

2.3

Circulatory System

2.4

Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5

Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3

Infection & Response

4

Bioenergetics

5

Homeostasis & Response

5.1

Homeostasis

5.2

The Human Nervous System

5.3

Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4

Plant Hormones

6

Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

6.1

Reproduction

6.2

Variation & Evolution

6.3

Genetics & Evolution

6.4

Classification

7

Ecology

7.1

Adaptations & Interdependence

7.2

Organisation of Ecosystems

7.3

Biodiversity

7.4

Trophic Levels

7.5

Food Production

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