Question

Explain how scientific investigations that preceded Lamarck , contributed to the development of his theory of evolution

Answer 1

Lamarck noticed many similarities among a variety of animals and was interested in the fossil record.

This led Lamarck to argue that organisms changed as a result of changes in their environment.

Answer 2

Lamarck developed the theory of acquired characteristics that organisms changed during their lifetime to accommodate their environment and that these acquired characteristics became inherited in their offspring. This theory was preceded for example by Erasmus Darwin who believed that "improvements" to organisms could be passed on or inherited.