Neo-Lamarckism

9.9

A theory that says the environment can change an animal or plant and those new traits pass to its children

noun
/ˌniːoʊ ləˈmɑrkɪzəm/

Specialized

: neolamarquismo

Unlike Darwinism, Neo-Lamarckism argues that acquired traits can be transmitted to offspring.

Examples

Recent debates in evolutionary biology have brought renewed attention to Neo-Lamarckism and its historical impact.
She wrote an essay examining the decline of Neo-Lamarckism in modern scientific thought.
Many scientists support Neo-Lamarckism as a valid theory.
The principles of Neo-Lamarckism challenge traditional Darwinian views.
Some researchers believe that Neo-Lamarckism provides a valuable perspective on how environmental factors influence evolution.
In her latest book, the author discusses Neo-Lamarckism and its implications for understanding hereditary changes.
Critics of Neo-Lamarckism argue that it lacks sufficient evidence to support the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Synonyms

Lamarckism

vsNeo-Lamarckism

Specialized

1 9.9

The idea that animals or plants pass on traits they get during life to their young

emphasizes environmental causes producing genetic change rather than only inheritance of traits

Surface Forms

Neo-Lamarckism singular

Neo-Lamarckisms plural

Morphology

Neo-Lamarckism = Lamarckism (semi-transparent) = neo + Lamarck + ism

The prefix neo- clearly signals a new or modified version of Lamarckism, but the term is still specialized and depends on knowledge of the underlying doctrine.

Etymology

Neo-Lamarckism combines the prefix neo- meaning 'new' and the name Lamarck, a French scientist who thought living things could pass on traits they gained during life. So, Neo-Lamarckism is a 'new' version of Lamarck's idea that the environment can cause changes passed to the next generation.