1. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was a heavy influence on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.
2. Lamarck observed the correlation between a species and its environment. He was the first to try to develop a theory explaining evolution known as the use-disuse theory or the inheritance of acquired characteristics. This theory suggested that because of the environment an animal would change over time as needed. Though the theory wasn't correct, Lamarck's contribution was the first and therefore the foundation for all works following. Whether added evidence was in support of or against Lamarck's theory, it was added because he drew attention to the matter. As Charles Darwin said himself: "[Lamarck] first did the eminent service of arousing attention to the probability of all changes in the organic, as well as in the inorganic world, being the result of law, and not of miraculous interposition."
Alternate information source: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/lamarck.html
3. If the environment changes, the traits that are helpful or adaptive to that environment will be different. Darwin built on Lamarck's idea that environment has a direct role in a species' development through evolution. Larmarck suggested that animal parts would change over time because of their environment. With this theory as a platform for evolution, Darwin realized that individuals with in a species would survive better with certain parts because of their environment - also known as his theory of natural selection.
4. Indirectly, no. Lamarck's theories were attacked then and are dismissed now, but the simple act of starting a first theory to build upon set the foundation of knowledge that Darwin was born into. Also, the use-disuse theory challenged the fixity of species, which at the time was not popular. Though Darwin still received opposition in his theory of natural selection, Lamarck helped to break the wind against evolution.
5. Darwin received pressures from various sources because of religious influence. First of all, Darwin's wife felt that his theory of natural section conflicted with her religious beliefs. Also, theories against the fixity of species were controversial and highly unpopular. This would be a hinderance not only to him and his work, but to Darwin's friends in high positions also. The effect of the pressures was a delayed publishing of Darwin's theories.
I found it interesting that you that included the fact that Lamarck "helped to break the wind against evolution" I think that sometimes when we think of former ideas or concepts we dismiss them for their entirety without taking into consideration how important it was that the idea was breaking social norms.
ReplyDeleteHi Brooke, nice blog! I agree that Lamarck was a very big influence. It was actually my second choice in the influencing of Darwin behing Wallace, and now that I think on it more it is probably the most influential idea related to natural selection. I especially found the environmental factors regarding change to be interesting.
ReplyDeleteHello Brooke. I absolutely agree that Lamarck had a profound influence in Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Lamarck was the first person to attempt to explain the process of evolution which led to many others to question the theory as well. Both Lamarck and Darwin came to the same conclusion about the evolutionary process. They both found that species change along with the environment to adapt and evolve.
ReplyDeleteI agree and disagree on certain stuff you wrote. One thing i would agree on is the person you chose and how well you described him. One thing i disagree with you is that Lamarck did have influence on Darwin and his theory. Personally I believe that he did have influence on his theory because both of the theories go hand in hand. Its just that Lamarck's theory was dismissed and ignored at that time. Darwin happened to have a different take on it, but at the end they both came up with similar answers. Other than that you did really good on explaining Lamarck's theory.
ReplyDeleteExcellent discussion! About the only quibble I have (and it is not serious) is that I wouldn't really agree that Lamark was the first to propose a theory. Many scientists of the day (including Darwin's grandfather, Erasmus) considered the possible mechanisms of evolution, but Lamark could be argued to have been the first to be so successful to have his theory peer reviewed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rema that Lamark probably had quite a bit of influence on Darwin, but it can be a matter of interpretation.
Great job!
Lamarack did have a strong influence in Natural selection. You did a very good job on describing how he did so. I like how the quote you found from the source you chose fit perfectly with your main points.
ReplyDeleteLamarck does have strong influence on Darwin's work, Lamarck was also one of the first to connect fossils with a living organism. I agree with you that "Lamarck helped to break the wind against evolution" even though his thoughts about the inherited traits were wrong, however that thoughts were perfected by Darwin and lead his way on the Natural Selection idea.
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