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Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the now-discredited theories of Lamarck?
A
Organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.
B
Evolution occurs solely through random genetic mutations and natural selection.
C
Traits are inherited only through DNA recombination during sexual reproduction.
D
All species were created independently and do not change over time.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of Lamarck's theories. Lamarck proposed the idea of inheritance of acquired characteristics, suggesting that traits developed during an organism's lifetime could be passed on to its offspring. For example, he believed that giraffes stretched their necks to reach higher leaves, and this acquired trait was inherited by their descendants.
Step 2: Compare Lamarck's theory to modern evolutionary biology. Modern science has discredited Lamarck's idea because traits acquired during an organism's lifetime (e.g., muscle growth from exercise) are not encoded in the DNA and therefore cannot be passed to offspring. Instead, evolution is understood to occur through genetic mutations and natural selection.
Step 3: Evaluate the provided statements. The correct description of Lamarck's discredited theory is the idea that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. This aligns with Lamarck's concept of inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. The statement about evolution occurring solely through random genetic mutations and natural selection describes Darwinian evolution, not Lamarck's theory. The statement about traits being inherited only through DNA recombination during sexual reproduction is a modern understanding of genetics, not Lamarck's view. The statement about all species being created independently and not changing over time aligns with creationist views, not Lamarck's theory.
Step 5: Conclude that the best description of Lamarck's discredited theory is the idea that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.