Question

Which idea did Lamarck propose that was rejected by his fellow scientists?

Acquired traits can be passed to offspring.

Fossils show the behaviors of ancient species.

Organisms evolve by acquiring behaviors.

Giraffes have larger gene pools than most animals.

Answer 1

Acquired traits can be passed to offspring

Answer 2

The correct answer will be acquired traits can be passed to offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lamarck is known for his idea of "inheritance of acquired traits" by studying neck size of giraffes and stated that:

1. New organs or traits can be produced by long use during lifetime as response to external environment,

2. characteristic is inherited to the next or succeeding generations.

3. Organ can disappear if not used.

Scientists were not able to find and explain evidence for the theory for example :

1. The blacksmith’s arm- enlarges when used continuously against external resistance like weight of the hammer but it is not necessary that the smith’s children at birth would have large arms or later in his life.

2. Skilled Hands of a musician- skillful hands of a musician causes no increase in the size of the fingers and this trait might be passed to musician’s children and they also play instrument skillfully with no practice.

Thus, acquired traits can be passed to offspring is the correct answer.