Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a modern version of Lamarckism: Describing theories or ideas that are derived from or connected to the evolutionary concepts of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, particularly those updated or revised in a modern context. These theories often involve the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Usage

• The term neo-lamarckian is used as an adjective to modify nouns related to theories, ideas, biology, or evolution. It specifies that the subject is connected to the modern interpretation of Lamarck's ideas.
• It is typically used in academic, scientific, or historical discussions about evolutionary biology.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The scientist presented a neo-lamarckian perspective on the evolution of behavior.
  • Despite being largely supplanted by modern genetics, some neo-lamarckian concepts have seen renewed interest in epigenetics.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific discourse: Used to describe hypotheses or research that re-evaluates Lamarckian mechanisms, such as the potential heritability of environmentally induced traits, in light of contemporary science like epigenetics.
  • The paper explores possible neo-lamarckian mechanisms in plant evolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Neo-Lamarckism (noun): The modern theory or school of thought itself.
  • Neo-Lamarckism differs from classical Lamarckism in its mechanistic details.
• Lamarckian (adjective): Pertaining to the original theories of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
  • Lamarckian evolution posited that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime.

Synonyms

• Lamarckian (when used in a broad, modern sense, though "neo-lamarckian" is more specific to revised theories).

Notes on Meaning

• The core concept involves the inheritance of characteristics acquired during an organism's lifetime, but neo-lamarckian theories often seek to explain this through modern biological frameworks, distinguishing them from the original, disproven Lamarckian mechanics.

Adjective

1. of or relating to a modern version of Lamarckism
   • Neo-Lamarckian theories