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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

Which of the following is NOT one of the core observations or deductions that form the basis of Darwin’s theory of natural selection?

A. Populations have the potential to grow exponentially.
B. Natural resources are limited, leading to a struggle for existence.
C. Characteristics acquired by an individual during its lifetime are transmitted to offspring.
✓
D. Variations among individuals in a population are heritable.

📝 Explanation

The inheritance of acquired characters is a postulate of Lamarckism, which Darwinism does not rely on (although Darwin did occasionally speculate on soft inheritance, it is not a core tenet of natural selection).

📖 Additional Information

  • Populations have the potential to grow exponentially.
  • Natural resources are limited, leading to a struggle for existence.
  • Characteristics acquired by an individual during its lifetime are transmitted to offspring.
  • Variations among individuals in a population are heritable.

The inheritance of acquired characters is a postulate of Lamarckism, which Darwinism does not rely on (although Darwin did occasionally speculate on soft inheritance, it is not a core tenet of natural selection).

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