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neo-Lamarckian

neo-Lamarckian

9.9
Relating to ideas that traits gained in life pass to children
  • adjective
  • /ˌniːoʊ ləˈmɑːrkiən/
  • Specialized
: neolamarckiano
  • The debate between Darwinian and neo-Lamarckian explanations of evolution was intense.

Examples

  • Several scientists in the early twentieth century adopted a neo-Lamarckian perspective.

  • Many scientists are skeptical about neo-Lamarckian ideas.

  • Some textbooks briefly mention neo-Lamarckian ideas alongside other evolutionary theories.

  • The neo-Lamarckian theory has gained popularity in recent years.

  • Some textbooks briefly mention neo-Lamarckian ideas alongside other evolutionary theories.

  • The debate between Darwinian and neo-Lamarckian explanations of evolution was intense.

  • Several scientists in the early twentieth century adopted a neo-Lamarckian perspective.

Synonyms

Lamarckian
vsneo-Lamarckian
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Relating to the idea in biology that traits gained in life can be passed to children

is the modern form that updates the idea of inheriting acquired traits

Surface Forms

neo-Lamarckian positive

Morphology

neo-Lamarckian = Lamarckian (transparent) = neo + Lamarck + ian

The prefix 'neo-' (new) is productively added to the adjective 'Lamarckian' to mean a modern or revived form of Lamarckism, a straightforward composition.

Etymology

Neo-Lamarckian begins with neo- meaning 'new' and points to the French scientist Lamarck, who thought living things could 'pass on' traits they gained in life. So a neo-Lamarckian view is a modern form of that idea that some changes from an organism's life can be inherited.