lamarckism
Definition
Noun: 1. A theory of organic evolution: Lamarckism is a biological theory proposing that physical changes an organism acquires during its lifetime can be passed on to its offspring. This contrasts with Darwinian evolution, which emphasizes natural selection acting on heritable variation.
Usage Examples
- The 19th-century biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck is famous for his now largely discredited theory of Lamarckism.
- While modern genetics has superseded Lamarckism, the concept was historically significant in the development of evolutionary thought.
- The idea that a blacksmith's strong muscles could be inherited by his children is a classic example of Lamarckism.
Advanced Usage
- Neo-Lamarckism: Refers to modern, modified interpretations or revivals of Lamarckian ideas, particularly in light of new research in fields like epigenetics, which studies heritable changes in gene expression not caused by changes in DNA sequence.
- Some researchers explore epigenetic inheritance as a potential form of Neo-Lamarckism.
Variants and Related Words
- Lamarckian (adjective): Pertaining to Lamarckism.
- The Lamarckian idea of inheritance of acquired traits.
- Lamarckian (noun): A proponent of Lamarckism.
Synonyms
- Inheritance of acquired characteristics
- Soft inheritance (contrasted with "hard inheritance" of Mendelian genetics)
Antonyms
- Darwinism (specifically Weismann's doctrine of the separation of germ and somatic cells)
- Neo-Darwinism
- Mendelian inheritance
Noun
-
a theory of organic evolution claiming that acquired characteristics are transmitted to offspring
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