Question

Why was Lamarck’s theory quickly dismissed?

Answer 1

Answer;

Lamarck's theory is rejected because it does not explain how traits are inherited through the passing on of genes.

Explanation;

• According to Lamarck's theory the mechanism for evolution involved the inheritance of acquired traits.
• Lamarck believed that traits changed or acquired over an individual's lifetime could be passed down to its offspring.
• However, this theory was dismissed based on two things; first through experimentation, such that changes that occur in organisms during life are not passed on to the their offspring.
• Additionally, the study of genetics also proved the Lamarck's theory wrong, which explained that traits are passed on through genes, which are not affected by the outside world.