How Do You Spell LAMARCKIAN THEORY?

Pronunciation: [lamˈɑːki͡ən θˈi͡əɹi] (IPA)

The Lamarckian theory is named after the French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who believed in the inheritance of acquired characteristics. The correct spelling of Lamarckian is /ləˈmɑːkiən/, with stress on the second syllable. The "-ian" suffix is common in English to indicate belonging to a particular person or group. The "c" is pronounced as /k/ and the "r" is silent. Overall, the correct pronunciation of Lamarckian is luh-MAR-kee-uhn. This theory has since been disproven, but it remains an important part of the history of biology.

LAMARCKIAN THEORY Meaning and Definition

1. Lamarckian theory, also known as Lamarckism, refers to a scientific concept originating from the ideas put forth by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This theory proposes that acquired characteristics in an organism can be inherited by its offspring. According to Lamarckian theory, organisms strive to adapt to their environment, which leads to changes in their physical traits or behaviors throughout their lifetime. Lamarck argued that these acquired characteristics are then passed on to the next generation, resulting in evolutionary progress over time.

   This theory stands in contrast to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, which suggests that traits that provide survival advantages are more likely to be passed on to subsequent generations, while traits that hinder survival are less likely to be inherited. Darwin's theory emphasizes the role of random genetic variation and the process of selective pressure in driving evolution.

   Although Lamarckian theory was widely accepted during its time, it has faced significant criticism and has been largely discredited in contemporary biological thought. The discovery of genetics and the mechanisms behind inheritance, particularly the understanding of DNA and its role in transmitting genetic information, has provided robust evidence against the notion of acquired characteristics being passed on to offspring. However, Lamarckian ideas have had a lasting impact on the history of evolutionary thought and remain important in the context of understanding the development of scientific theories.

2. The theory that acquired characteristics may be transmitted to the descendants.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

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Etymology of LAMARCKIAN THEORY

The term "Lamarckian theory" is derived from the name of the French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744-1829). Lamarck is well-known for developing a theory of evolution that preceded Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. In Lamarck's theory, he proposed the idea of species evolving over time through mechanisms such as inheritance of acquired characteristics and the use and disuse of organs. Despite being largely disregarded by the scientific community after Darwin's theory gained prominence, Lamarck's ideas left a significant impact on the history of evolutionary thought.