How did Darwin and Lamarck differ in their thinking about change in species
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Charles Darwin and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck were two prominent scientists who proposed different theories about the change in species. Let's explore how they differed in their thinking:
Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection:
1. Mechanism of Change: Darwin believed that species evolve through a process called natural selection. This means that individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits onto their offspring.
2. Inheritance: According to Darwin, traits are inherited through genetic variations that occur randomly in populations. These variations can provide certain individuals with advantages or disadvantages for survival and reproduction.
3. Time Scale: Darwin proposed that evolution occurs gradually over long periods of time, taking place over generations and resulting in the diversification of species.
Lamarck's Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics:
1. Mechanism of Change: Lamarck's theory suggests that individuals can acquire new traits or characteristics during their lifetime in response to their environment. These acquired traits are then passed on to their offspring.
2. Inheritance: Unlike Darwin, Lamarck believed that acquired traits could be inherited and passed on to future generations. For example, if a giraffe stretches its neck to reach higher leaves, Lamarck argued that its offspring would inherit a longer neck.
3. Time Scale: Lamarck's theory proposed that evolution happens within the lifetime of an individual. He suggested that acquired traits accumulate over generations, leading to significant changes in species.
In summary, Darwin's theory emphasizes the role of natural selection and genetic variations in driving evolutionary change over long periods of time. On the other hand, Lamarck's theory proposes that acquired traits during an individual's lifetime can be inherited, leading to more rapid changes within species. However, Lamarck's ideas have been largely refuted by modern understanding of genetics and the principles of evolution.