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Multiple Choice
The first basic idea of evolutionary adaptation can be traced back to ________.
A
Gregor Mendel
B
Rosalind Franklin
C
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
D
James Watson
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking about the historical figure associated with the first basic idea of evolutionary adaptation.
Review the contributions of each individual listed: Gregor Mendel is known for his work on genetics and inheritance patterns, not evolutionary adaptation. Rosalind Franklin contributed to the discovery of DNA structure, which is also not directly related to evolutionary adaptation. James Watson, along with Francis Crick, is known for the DNA double helix model, which is not the focus here.
Focus on Jean-Baptiste Lamarck: He is historically significant for proposing one of the earliest theories of evolution, known as Lamarckism. This theory suggested that organisms adapt to their environment through the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Clarify Lamarck's theory: Lamarck proposed that traits developed during an organism's lifetime (e.g., a giraffe stretching its neck to reach higher leaves) could be passed on to its offspring. While this idea has been largely discredited, it was a foundational step in the study of evolutionary biology.
Conclude that Jean-Baptiste Lamarck is the correct answer, as he is the figure associated with the first basic idea of evolutionary adaptation.