Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Stevie Bain on 30/08/2017 10:10:52

Title: How do Darwinian and Lamarckian theories of evolution differ?
Post by: Stevie Bain on 30/08/2017 10:10:52

Stefan would like to know:

What is the difference between Darwin's theory of evolution and Lamarck's theory of evolution? Can both be correct and occur simultaneously?

Can you help answer this question?

Title: Re: How do Darwinian and Lamarckian theories of evolution differ?
Post by: evan_au on 01/09/2017 19:40:54

Lamarck believed that if a creature exercised a certain trait in its lifetime, that trait would be inherited more strongly by its offspring.

Darwin continued to believe this, but disagreed with some other aspects of Lamarck's theory. Darwin added natural selection (and sexual selection) as the source of emphasis of a trait in a population.

Until perhaps 50 years ago, Darwin's followers absorbed the genetics discovered by Gregor Mendel, and criticised Lamarck (forgetting that Darwin also followed Lamarck).

The discovery of epigenetics showed that exposure to stimuli during your lifetime could affect your children and grandchildren. So, in a sense, Lamarck had the last laugh.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamarckism