NEOLAMARCKIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Neolamarckian refers to a theory or concept in evolutionary biology that is based on or inspired by the theories of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French biologist who proposed a distinct evolutionary mechanism in the early 19th century. The term "neolamarckian" is derived from the combination of "neo" (meaning new or recent) and "Lamarckian," indicating a modern interpretation or variation of Lamarck's ideas.
In the context of evolutionary biology, neolamarckian theories suggest that organisms can inherit acquired traits, whereby characteristics acquired during an individual's lifetime can be passed down to future generations. This stands in contrast to the widely accepted theory of Darwinian evolution, which emphasizes natural selection and the role of genetic mutations.
While neolamarckian concepts often incorporate Lamarck's ideas, they may also take into account more recent understanding of genetics and molecular biology. Some neolamarckian theories propose that heritable changes can occur through mechanisms such as epigenetics, where modifications to gene expression or structure can be passed on to offspring.
The term "neolamarckian" can also be used to describe individuals or scientists who advocate for or adhere to neolamarckian theories or principles in their research and interpretations of evolutionary processes. It is important to note that the majority of empirical research and evidence in evolutionary biology supports the mechanisms proposed by Darwinian evolution and that neolamarckian theories remain a subject of ongoing scientific debate.
Common Misspellings for NEOLAMARCKIAN
- beolamarckian
- meolamarckian
- jeolamarckian
- heolamarckian
- nwolamarckian
- nsolamarckian
- ndolamarckian
- nrolamarckian
- n4olamarckian
- n3olamarckian
- neilamarckian
- neklamarckian
- nellamarckian
- neplamarckian
- ne0lamarckian
- ne9lamarckian
- neokamarckian
- neopamarckian
- neooamarckian
- neolzmarckian
Etymology of NEOLAMARCKIAN
The word "neolamarckian" is derived from two components: "neo" and "Lamarckian".
The prefix "neo" is derived from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new" or "recent". In English, it is commonly used to indicate something that is modern, updated, or a revival of a previous idea.
"Lamarckian" refers to the ideas of the French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who proposed a theory of evolution before Charles Darwin's theory gained prominence. Lamarck's theory, known as Lamarckism or the inheritance of acquired characteristics, suggested that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime could be passed on to the next generation. According to Lamarck, these acquired traits would lead to the gradual transformation of species.
Therefore, "neolamarckian" implies a modern interpretation or revival of Lamarck's evolutionary ideas.
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