lamarckism
Low (C2/Proficiency)Academic, Scientific, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A now-discredited theory of biological evolution positing that an organism can pass on to its offspring physical characteristics that the parent organism acquired through use or disuse during its lifetime.
In broader discourse, 'Lamarckism' is often used metaphorically to describe any theory of cultural or social change based on the inheritance of acquired traits or learned behaviors, contrasting with Darwinian natural selection.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively used in historical and critical contexts within biology and the philosophy of science. It is a proper noun (capitalized) named after Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Modern usage is primarily to contrast with Darwinism or Neo-Darwinism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Universally carries a connotation of being an obsolete or superseded scientific theory.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to advanced biological and history of science texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Lamarckism + [verb: was proposed, fell out of favour, is discredited]Adherents/Proponents of + LamarckismThe theory of + LamarckismVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history of science, evolutionary biology, and philosophy of biology to discuss pre-Darwinian or alternative evolutionary mechanisms.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term for a specific historical theory; sometimes referenced in contemporary debates about epigenetics, though controversially.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- Lamarckism was a significant precursor to Darwin's work.
- The textbook dismissed Lamarckism in a single paragraph.
American English
- Lamarckism is often taught as a contrast to natural selection.
- Modern biology has completely rejected the tenets of Lamarckism.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Lamarckism is an old idea about evolution.
- Darwin's theory was different from Lamarckism.
- Although Lamarckism has been discredited, it played an important historical role in the development of evolutionary thought.
- The key difference between Lamarckism and Darwinism lies in the mechanism of inheritance.
- The brief resurgence of neo-Lamarckism in the late 19th century was fueled by gaps in the understanding of heredity.
- Critics often accuse certain sociological theories of being Lamarckian in their assumption that acquired cultural traits are biologically inherited.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Lamarck's giraffes STRETCHED their necks to reach leaves, and their babies were born with longer necks. (This illustrates the idea, though it's scientifically incorrect.)
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/CHARACTER AS AN INHERITED POSSESSION (an outdated, discredited version).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'Ламаркизм' (direct translation, same meaning). The main trap is the conceptual one: in some older Soviet texts, a form of Lamarckism (Michurinism/Lysenkoism) was officially endorsed, contrary to Western scientific consensus. This historical context may affect interpretation.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Lamarkism' or 'Lamarckianism' (though 'Lamarckian' is the correct adjective).
- Using it as a current, valid theory rather than a historical one.
- Failing to capitalize it as a proper noun.
Practice
Quiz
Which concept is directly opposed to the core principle of Lamarckism?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the core mechanism of Lamarckism—the direct inheritance of characteristics acquired by an organism during its lifetime—has been rejected by mainstream biology since the early 20th century, in favor of the genetic mechanisms of Neo-Darwinism.
Lamarckism posits that changes acquired during an organism's life (e.g., a muscle strengthened by use) can be passed to offspring. Darwinism (via natural selection) posits that heritable variations arise randomly, and those conferring a survival/reproductive advantage become more common in populations over generations.
It is studied historically as an important step in the development of evolutionary biology. It is also referenced in modern, often contentious, discussions about epigenetics, though most scientists sharply distinguish epigenetic inheritance from classical Lamarckism.
It refers to various 19th and early 20th-century theories that attempted to modify or revive Lamarck's ideas, often incorporating new biological discoveries while still maintaining a role for the inheritance of acquired characteristics.