While the French biologist LaMarck was correct in proposing that evolution does occur, he believed that the long necks of giraffes evolved as generations of giraffes reached for ever higher leaves on the trees. Using these observations, LaMarck proposed the theory that evolution occurs due to the inheritance of characteristics acquired during an organism’s lifetime. From what you know about the scientific method, why is this incorrect?

While the French biologist LaMarck was correct in proposing that evolution does occur, he believed that the long necks of giraffes evolved as generations of giraffes reached for ever higher leaves on the trees. Using these observations, LaMarck proposed the theory that evolution occurs due to the inheritance of characteristics acquired during an organism’s lifetime. From what you know about the scientific method, why is this incorrect?

Biology (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781337392938

Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg

Publisher:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg

Chapter18: Introduction To Darwinian Evolution

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 14TYU: EVOLUTION LINK Write short paragraphs explaining each of the following statements: (a) Natural...

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If natural selection can only operate on existing variants, where does all that variation come from? If, as Darwin (1868) and Huxley concluded, variation arose from changes in development, then how could the development of an embryo change when development is so finely tuned and complex?
Humans in the 21st century use their thumbs extensively to operate touchscreens on cellphones. Imagine a scenario, where the human population evolves to have more dexterous thumbs over the next 300 years. Which of the following is a Lamarckian explanation for this evolutionary change (and, therefore, would an incorrect evolutionary mechanism?) humans that develop more dexterity in their thumb over their lifetime due to frequent use of cellphones pass that ability to their children humans that were born with a mutation for more dexterous thumbs have more children thumb dexterity is a dominant trait
The upper forelimbs of humans and bats have fairly similar skeletal structures, whereas the corresponding bones in whales have very different shapes and proportions. However, genetic data suggest that all three kinds of organisms diverged from a common ancestor at about the same time. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these data? Group of answer choices Forelimb evolution was adaptive in people and bats, but not in whales. Natural selection in an aquatic environment resulted in significant changes to whale forelimb anatomy. Humans and bats evolved by natural selection, and whales evolved by Lamarckian mechanisms. Genes mutate faster in whales than in humans or bats.
What are the shreds of evidence that the theory of evolution happened to all living forms?
Generally, will natural selection result in an increase or decrease in variation? Why does this happen, and how, in theory, will it affect evolution in the future?
Evolutionary biologists often say that evolution “selects for outcomes” not for the particular genetic changes that lead to that adaptive outcome. Given that perspective, is it surprising that different gene mutations might be involved in the evolution of the same trait (such as light skin or adaptation to living in high mountains)? Why or why not?
Compare and contrast Lamarck’s scientifically invalid model of evolution (Lamarckian Inheritance) with Darwin’s scientifically valid model of evolution by Natural Selection. Though incorrect, why was Lamarck’s theory of mutability so revolutionary compared to other scientific thinkers of the time and preceding him? Why was Darwin’s (and technically Alfred Wallace’s) theories of mutability so revolutionary compared to Lamarck’s? What aspects of natural selection did Lamarck get right? What aspects did Lamarck get totally wrong? Remember to consider and give examples of mechanisms of inheritance on both the individual and populational level in Lamarck’s and Darwin’s evolutionary models, as well as the role environmental pressures play
Which of the following statements about evolution is false?a. Gene mutations alone amount to evolution. b. Genetic drift and gene flow are modern theories of evolution.c. Natural selection contributes to evolution.d. Chimpanzees evolved from a hominoid ancestor.
Which of the following statements is NOT true about evolution? Group of answer choices A-Evolution has been supported by a mounting body of genetic evidence B-Humans share a recent common ancestor with other primates C-The main principle of the theory of evolution is the simple fact that humans evolved from monkeys D-The theory of evolution has been tested and subjected to verification through accumulated evidence (and has not been disproved) E-Evolution can be studied at the microevolutionary or macroevolutionary level
Do you think the human race is continuing to evolve in a Darwinian, genetic sense? Are the genes of our species changing? Do not just write "yes" or "no," but explain why you think so. In addition, include in your explanation of how the mechanisms of evolution, such as natural selection, would be at play.
Lamarck proposed that evolution occurs through the following basic steps: Organisms are born with certain traits. Over the course of an organism's life, these traits gradually change due to pressures in the environment. The changes that occurred during an organism's life are passed on to its young. This idea is similar to current understandings of how evolution works, but it is not quite correct. Which of the following situations is a counterexample that disproves Lamarck's proposed pattern of how evolution occurs? A. Even though the ability to fly would be useful to snakes, snakes cannot spontaneously grow wings. B. Dolphins and whales have become hairless because the fast movement of the water removes all the hair. C. A person who is a championship bodybuilder does not have children who are naturally muscular at birth.
Evolution by natural selection is founded on what basic idea? Random genetic mutations that help a species survive will be more likely to be passed to future generations. Only traits that will help an individual organism survive will be passed down to future generations. Only the biggest, strongest, fastest, or smartest creatures survive. Traits that animals acquire over their life will be taught to future generations.