THEORY OF EVOLUTION

Lamarckism
It is the pioneer theory of evolution given by Jean Baptiste Lamarck. Lamarck is also regarded as the father of evolution. This theory is named after Lamarck, who was a French naturalist. He did an extensive study of nature and nature phenomenon and came to conclusion that the varieties of plants, animals and micro-organisms found in nature, is due to evolution or adaptation to diversified habitat.
He gave the theory of evolution in 1809 AD and published a book ‘Philosophy of Nature’ in 1911AD, which included all his views explanations.
In Lamarckism, the change occurred in the life is the basis or fundamental factor for origin of species. Lamarck has three basic assumptions.
1. Change is brought by use and disuse.
2. Change is brought by environment.
3. Inheritance of acquired characters.
Acquired characters:-
Acquired character is the change developed during life time. This change is in herited to next generation and established by reproduction. Lamarckism is therefore also called ‘Theory of Inheritance of acquired character.’
Evidences in support of Lamarckism:-
Development of bicep and triceps muscles in arms and body of wrestler’s and blacksmith by continuous use.
Elongation of neck of giraffe by continuous stretching to take leaves of tree.
Loss of limbs in snake or the formation of different vestigial organ in human is due to disuse for long time.
Development fish like body with fins in whale and dolphins (Mammal) to live in aquatic condition.
Cave dwellers have non-functional eyes.
Desert animal have anatomical features and physiology suited for water conservation.
Flying animals have wings, light body, stream-lined shaped for flying purpose.
Criticisms of Lamarckism
Wrestler’s children are not burned with well developed bicep and triceps muscles.
Woman bore ear nose for ornaments but their daughter are born without pores in ear and nose. Their children have to bore again.
Chinese woman prefer small legs and this is managed by tight shoes. Still this fashion has to be continued.
The children of learned man are not necessarily intelligent but they may be dull also.
Weiss man did an experiment of cutting tail of rat and breeding. This experiment repeated for 50 generation, but still was burned with tail.
Conclusion:- Lamarckism is an such not wrong but it is incomplete because Lamarck was unaware of genetic factor is responsible for the inheritance of acquired character. Genetics was developed only after 1900AD, which was long after the Lamarkism (1809-1811) AD.