Question

Using its long tail and long hind legs, the Ord's kangaroo rat can jump 2 m in the air as it hops away from predators, such as snakes and owls [A, 4 marks] a. How would Lamarck account for the origin of the long hind legs of the Ord's kangaroo rat? b. How would Darwin?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

a. According to Lamarck, the origin of the long hind legs of the Ord's kangaroo rat is acquired due to extensive use of the muscle legs to jump. Such physical characteristics could be transmitted to future generations. This theory is called Neo-Lamarckism.

b. Darwin, on the other hand, theorized that in a population of Ord's kangaroo rat, there was an individual whose characteristics, long tail and hind legs, had more chances of escaping its predator and, consequently, could survive and reproduce. This theory is called Darwinism.