Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
1
8.6
- proper noun
- Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was one of the first scientists to propose a comprehensive theory of evolution.
Examples
-
Many textbooks discuss the differences between Darwin's and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's ideas.
-
The concept of the inheritance of acquired traits is closely associated with Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
-
The theories of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck were revolutionary in the field of biology.
-
Did Jean-Baptiste Lamarck really believe in the inheritance of acquired traits?
-
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was one of the first scientists to propose a comprehensive theory of evolution.
-
Many textbooks discuss the differences between Darwin's and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's ideas.
-
The concept of the inheritance of acquired traits is closely associated with Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
Synonyms
1
9.1
A French scientist who said animals pass on traits they gain to their young
1
9.9
A French scientist who said animals and plants change over time because parents pass on features they gain
1
9.9
A French scientist who proposed that animals and plants change over time and pass on traits they get
Surface Forms
Morphology
Jean-Baptiste + Lamarck
This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; knowing the constituent name parts ('Jean-Baptiste' and 'Lamarck') does not allow a B1 learner to infer biographical information like 'French naturalist' or his theory. Personal names are referential and non-compositional across languages, so the meaning is not derivable from the parts.
Etymology
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was a French scientist famous for an early idea about how animals change over time. One popular story says giraffes stretched their necks to reach leaves and then their babies were born with longer necks, which illustrates the idea called 'inheritance of acquired characteristics' and explains why his name is linked to that theory today.