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BIO NMDCAT Lamarckism
nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

Which of the following provides the most robust evidence against Lamarck’s postulate of “internal vital force” driving organisms toward higher complexity?

A. The existence of viruses, which are simple, non-living genetic packages.
B. The observation of regressive evolution, where organisms simplify over time (e.g., parasites losing digestive tracts).
✓
C. The presence of homologous structures in vertebrates.
D. The discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA.

📝 Explanation

Regressive evolution (simplification) contradicts the idea of an unstoppable, innate "internal vital force" that always drives organisms toward greater complexity and perfection.

📖 Additional Information

  • The existence of viruses, which are simple, non-living genetic packages.
  • The observation of regressive evolution, where organisms simplify over time (e.g., parasites losing digestive tracts).
  • The presence of homologous structures in vertebrates.
  • The discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA.

Regressive evolution (simplification) contradicts the idea of an unstoppable, innate "internal vital force" that always drives organisms toward greater complexity and perfection.

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