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There Is Evidence For Lamarckian Evolution.
Lamarckian evolution was once an accepted theory of evolution, stating that characteristics acquired in the lifetime of an organism are inherited by their offspring and in this sense species constantly improve themselves and become more complex. Although this theory is incorrect and was replaced with Darwinian evolution, there is still some evidence for it. In the 1920s, Harvard University researcher William McDougall studied the abilities of rats to correctly solve mazes. He found that children of rats that had learned the maze were able to run it faster, and attributed it to some sort of Lamarckian evolutionary process. Any thoughts?
 chaew  26 May 2008 12:38
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Well the Lamarckian model is certainly useful in the understanding the evolution of cultures. And it’s possible that to some extent the parent mice passed on some learned behavior. But I find it unlikely that they genetically passed on learned behavior. I have wondered if an organism could have developed genetic triggers keyed to environmental factors that could then be passed on. Thereby increasing the speed to which a population of organisms could adapt to common environmental shifts. It’s not precisely Lamarckian evolution but it has similarities.
 
 finsch  09 Jun 2008 20:50
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Ever heard of the Hundredeth Monkey theory.. Sounds alot like that... I do some research and have found in my work, that if I heal a certain condition, that was believed to be genetically caused, then not only does the patient loose the symtoms of the chronic illness, but other family members also loose the symtoms as well! I think this actually somehw goes along with this theory. Now we are starting to evolve in another way by healing these negative conditions being handed down.
 
 stever  26 May 2008 16:26
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Other researchers were unable to replicate McDougall's findings, and his conclusions that his research demonstrated Lamarckian inheritance were long ago dismissed. Too many confounds, too many other explanations, too much potential for bias.

The idea that we inherit traits our parents acquire (such as riding a bicycle, having a nice tan, or being born with only one arm because of that unfortunate chainsaw accident Mom experienced) is still being debated, but little evidence emerges to support the viewpoint.

Genetics is a tricky business -- genes interact with environment, they don't produce all-or-none effects, they're turned on and off in response to external cues, so you can see how a parents' habits appear to be acquired by the child above and beyond a single gene.
 
 Lynn  15 Aug 2008 06:41
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There is no evidence for anything as everything is a lie. DEATH to the world!!!
 
 nath0610  26 May 2008 19:40
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Erm, how the hell do you know this stuff? Is it just like, general knowledge or did you randomly look it up?

Anyway, just because it happened, doesn't mean it was evidence for Lanarck's theories. I'm sure there are a lot of other factors involved, but I'd like to have a look at this Harvard guy's research and conclusions first before giving a definitive view.
 
 Carl  26 May 2008 14:57
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 Firstly, this is general knowledge Carl. Secondly, it does provide some evidence for some form of Lamarckian evolution. Can't you remember us doing this in Weller's class? lol
by  chaew
 26 May 2008 18:44
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