Lamarckism: The Theory of Acquired Characteristics
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck believed that an organism's environment creates a "need" for change. He thought animals could intentionally adapt during their lifetime.
Example: A blacksmith who develops large muscles through work would have babies born with naturally large muscles.
Key points of Lamarck's theory:
- Internal Drive
- Use and Disuse
- Inherited Habits
Darwinism: Evolution by Natural Selection
Charles Darwin argued that evolution is a slow process that acts on populations, not individuals. It relies on genetic differences.
Example: In a drought, birds with slightly stronger beaks can crack hard seeds that others can't. They survive and pass those traits on.
Key points of Darwin's theory:
- Genetic Variation
- Overproduction
- Selection Pressure
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lamarckism | Darwinism |
|---|---|---|
| Who changes? | The individual changes its own body. | The population changes over generations. |
| Role of Environment | Environment causes the change to happen. | Environment selects existing variations. |
| Role of Effort | Based on use, disuse, and 'need'. | No effort involved; based on luck/genetics. |
| Scientific Proof | Proven wrong (DNA doesn't work this way). | Proven right (supported by modern genetics). |