During a study session about evolution, one of your fellow studen…

MCQ

During a study session about evolution, one of your fellow students remarks, "The giraffe stretched its neck while reaching for higher leaves; its offspring inherited longer necks as a result." To correct your friend's misconception, what would you say?

A
Spontaneous mutations can result in the appearance of new traits.
B
Only favourable adaptations have survival value.
C
Overproduction of offspring leads to a struggle for survival.
✓
Characteristics acquired during an organism's life are not passed on through genes.

✓

Answer

Correct option: D.

Characteristics acquired during an organism's life are not passed on through genes.

(d) Characteristics acquired during an organism's life are not passed on through genes.
Explanation:
This statement reflects Lamarckian inheritance. The correct explanation is that Evolutionary changes are a result of genetic mutations and natural selection, not the direct result of an organism's activities or behaviour during its lifetime. This principle is a key aspect of Darwinian evolutionary theory, contrasting the earlier Lamarckian view of inheritance of acquired characteristics.