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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

Why is the case of the “blacksmith’s muscular arms” a classic conceptual counter-example to Lamarckism?

A. Because muscle size is determined solely by diet, not physical work.
B. Because the physical hypertrophy of somatic muscles does not change the genetic sequence of the blacksmith's sperm.
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C. Because blacksmiths do not pass any physical traits to their children.
D. Because hammering causes muscle atrophy, not hypertrophy.

📝 Explanation

Hypertrophy from physical work is a somatic adaptation (phenotypic plasticity). It does not alter germ-line DNA, so the children must still build their own muscles through work.

📖 Additional Information

  • Because muscle size is determined solely by diet, not physical work.
  • Because the physical hypertrophy of somatic muscles does not change the genetic sequence of the blacksmith's sperm.
  • Because blacksmiths do not pass any physical traits to their children.
  • Because hammering causes muscle atrophy, not hypertrophy.

Hypertrophy from physical work is a somatic adaptation (phenotypic plasticity). It does not alter germ-line DNA, so the children must still build their own muscles through work.

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