Lamarckism

[ luh-mahr-kiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the Lamarckian theory that characteristics acquired by habit, use, or disuse may be passed on to future generations through inheritance.

Lamarckism

/ lɑːˈmɑːkɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory of organic evolution proposed by Lamarck, based on the principle that characteristics of an organism modified during its lifetime are inheritable See also acquired characteristic Neo-Lamarckism

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lamarckism¹

First recorded in 1880–85; Lamarck + -ism

Example Sentences

It was a hoary restatement of Lamarck’s idea—of adaptation morphing directly into hereditary change—decades after geneticists had pointed out the conceptual errors of Lamarckism.

From Literature

Later, biologists cast aside Lamarckism, as the classic view of evolution emerged: that organisms evolve as a result of natural selection acting on random genetic changes.

From Science Magazine

Did the Luria and Delbrück study really close the door on Lamarckism?

From Nature

“Soviet agricultural science was held back for decades because of the ideology of Trofim Lysenko, who was a proponent of Lamarckism,” he said.

From The Guardian

Instead of natural selection, he also believed a form of Lamarckism was the driver of evolution.

From Scientific American