Early Beliefs

Question 1

Lamarck: Inheritance of acquired characteristics

Answer 1

By comparing current species of animals with fossil forms, Lamarck observed a “line of decent” in which a series of fossils. From old to new led to a modern species. he thought that species increased in complexity over time, until they reached perfection. He believed that characteristics acquired during an organisms lifetime, such as large muscles of a horse, could be passed onto it’s offspring. Lamarck called this the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Question 2

Darwin: theory of evolution by natural selection

Answer 2

Darwin concluded that individuals with advantage traits, aiding survival, were more likely to reproduce. This led to a gradual accumulation of favourable traits in populations over time, a concept Darwin termed Natural Selection.