Why do all modern biologists reject lamarck's theory of evolution?

Question

Why do all modern biologists reject lamarck's theory of evolution?

Answer 1

Lamarck claimed that:

"All the acquisitions or losses wrought by nature on individuals, through the influence of the environment in which their race has long been placed, and hence through the influence of the predominant use or permanent disuse of any organ; all these are preserved by reproduction to the new individuals which arise, provided that the acquired modifications are common to both sexes, or at least to the individuals which produce the young."

Which means to say for example that characteristics acquired during an organism's lifetime can be passed on to its offspring. This is inconsistent with modern genetics. As an above answerer illustrated: Can you inherit your father's tattoo?

Answer 2

Lamarck thought that acquired traits could be inherited by children. Basically, if I develop skills in music, my kids will inherit those traits (and not only any natural talents I might have been born with).

Modern biologists reject these ideas because there is no basis for proving this theory in genetics -- the genetic materials men and women contribute to making a child do not change due to the activities of the man or woman (with very few exceptions like radiation).

Answer 3

They theories have been disproven in the lab. According to Lamarck if you cut the tails off of mice, in a few generations the descendants will be born tailless.It was tried. It didn't happen.Based on our new knowledge of genetics, natural selection and DNA today Lamarck wouldn't have even developed his throies as he's know they were wrong.

Answer 4

Lamarck's theory basically says Individuals lose characteristics they do not require (or use) and develop characteristics that are useful and its offsprings will inherit those characteristics.

So, we can take an example to see why it's inaccurate. For example, an athlete, through his exercises everyday, strengthens his muscles. So, his sons will have similar muscular development when they mature. Obviously, it's not true. If his sons did not choose athletic careers, they wont have the same muscular development as their father.

Nowadays, biologists use genetics to disprove Lamarck's theory. If you're interested, search genetics on web and see for yourself.

Answer 5

Beacause it is not really a very good theory, and science is about keeping the good theories that you can prove, and dumping the ones that don't cut it.

In Lamarck's view, giraffe necks are long because they keep pulling on them to reach that high branch. Well, even if it worked (it doesn't) that cannot be passed on through generations, as a genetic change can.

Answer 6

Because it said that evolution would take place in a short time period such as one life span. There is adaptation but it doesn't change your genes or anything that makes a dramatic change.

Answer 7

With Mendelian genetics, it could be demonstrated that somatic changes are not transmitted. Experiments comparing somatic alteration and germline composition are rather clear.

Answer 8

Aww, do they? I thought only school boys did!

Answer 9

because it's nonsense. can you inherit your father's tatoo? no. enough said.