BIO NMDCAT Lamarckism
nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

What is the fundamental difference between Darwin’s concept of variation and Lamarck’s concept of variation?

A. Darwin believed variations are acquired; Lamarck believed they are pre-existing.
B. Darwin believed variations are pre-existing and random; Lamarck believed variations are acquired and directed by environmental needs.
C. Darwin believed variations are induced by chemical mutagens; Lamarck believed they are caused by radioactive decay.
D. There is no difference; both believed variations are completely random.

📝 Explanation

Lamarck argued that variations are purposefully acquired during life in response to environment, whereas Darwin proposed that variations exist naturally in a population before natural selection acts.

📖 Additional Information

  • Darwin believed variations are acquired; Lamarck believed they are pre-existing.
  • Darwin believed variations are pre-existing and random; Lamarck believed variations are acquired and directed by environmental needs.
  • Darwin believed variations are induced by chemical mutagens; Lamarck believed they are caused by radioactive decay.
  • There is no difference; both believed variations are completely random.

Lamarck argued that variations are purposefully acquired during life in response to environment, whereas Darwin proposed that variations exist naturally in a population before natural selection acts.

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