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Neo-Lamarckism

Description:

Neo-Lamarckism refers to a theory that extends and modifies Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's evolutionary theory, proposing that acquired traits can be inherited by future generations. It suggests that an organism's behavior or experience during its lifetime can influence the genetic makeup of its offspring.

Senses and Usages:

Sense 1:

As a scientific theory, neo-Lamarckism challenges Darwin's theory of natural selection and emphasizes the role of an organism's personal experiences and behaviors in evolutionary processes.

Sample Sentence:

According to neo-Lamarckism, if a giraffe stretches its neck to reach higher leaves, this acquired characteristic can be passed on to its descendants.

Sense 2:

In a broader sense, neo-Lamarckism can also describe any contemporary views or practices that imply the inheritance of acquired traits, especially outside the field of biology.

Sample Sentence:

In the field of educational psychology, neo-Lamarckism refers to the belief that a child's intelligence can be enhanced by providing enriching experiences.

Related Products:

Interested in learning more about evolution and related topics? Check out these books on Amazon:

• Evolutionary Biology
• The Origin of Species
• Modern Theories of Evolution