Darwinism and Lamarckism: Contrasting Theories of Evolution

Distinctive Features

Darwinism and Lamarckism, proposed by Charles Darwin and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, respectively, present contrasting perspectives on the mechanisms of evolution. One key distinction lies in the concept of inheritance.

Darwinism: Natural Selection and Random Variation

Darwinism emphasizes the role of natural selection in driving evolutionary change. It postulates that organisms with advantageous traits have a higher chance of survival and reproduction, leading to the accumulation of favorable characteristics within a population. Additionally, Darwinism recognizes the role of random genetic variation as a source of diversity.

Lamarckism: Inheritance of Acquired Traits

In contrast, Lamarckism proposes that acquired traits during an organism's lifetime can be inherited by its offspring. For instance, an individual developing a stronger muscle due to intense use would pass this enhanced muscle strength to subsequent generations. Lamarck's theory also assumes that organisms can strive to adapt to their environment by developing new or modified organs.