Final answer:
The French taxonomist who, in 1809 was the first scientist to suggest that organisms that use one part of their body repeatedly would increase their abilities was Jean Lamarck. Thus the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jean Lamarck, the French taxonomist, was the first scientist in 1809 to propose the theory of the inheritance of acquired characteristics. Lamarck suggested that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. This theory, known as Lamarckism, posited that organisms could adapt to their environment and that these adaptations would be inherited by future generations.
Lamarck's proposal centered on the concept of use and disuse of organs. He suggested that organisms, by using certain parts of their bodies more frequently, would develop these traits further, while less-used traits would diminish over time. This theory was significant in laying the groundwork for evolutionary thought, although it was later largely supplanted by Darwin's theory of natural selection.
In essence, Lamarck's ideas were revolutionary for their time, proposing a mechanism for how organisms could adapt to their environment. However, while his specific ideas about the inheritance of acquired characteristics have not stood the test of time, his contributions to evolutionary thought remain notable in the history of science.Thus the correct option is C.