The question asks to identify the scientist who proposed the theory of 'Inheritance of Acquired Characters'. This theory suggests that characteristics acquired by an organism during its lifetime due to use or disuse of organs can be passed on to its offspring. We need to recall the major evolutionary theories and their proponents.
Correct Option: C) Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the theory of 'Inheritance of Acquired Characters' in his book Philosophie Zoologique (1809). His theory, often called Lamarckism, posited that organisms acquire characteristics during their lifetime through use or disuse of organs, and these acquired traits are then passed down to their offspring. A classic example he used was the long neck of giraffes, which he believed developed as generations stretched their necks to reach higher leaves, and this stretched neck was inherited.
The question asks for the publication year of Charles Darwin's seminal work, 'On the Origin of Species'. This is a factual recall question related to a significant event in the history of science, particularly biology.
Correct Option: A) 1859
The question asks for the phrase that popularly summarizes Darwin's theory of natural selection, specifically the phrase coined by Herbert Spencer. We need to identify which of the given options correctly represents this summary.
Correct Option: B) Survival of the fittest
The question asks to identify the scientist who independently developed a theory of evolution by natural selection, similar to Charles Darwin's, leading to a joint presentation of their ideas. This requires knowledge of the history of evolutionary biology.
D) Alfred Russel Wallace — Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist. He independently conceived a theory of evolution by natural selection, which prompted Charles Darwin to publish his own theory. In 1858, a paper by Wallace outlining his theory was presented jointly with some of Darwin's writings to the Linnean Society of London. This event is a cornerstone in the history of evolutionary biology, acknowledging both scientists' contributions.
The question asks to identify the name of the ship on which Charles Darwin served as a naturalist during his famous voyage, which was crucial for his theory of evolution. This is a direct factual recall question related to the history of science.
Correct Option: C) HMS Beagle — Charles Darwin served as a naturalist on the survey ship HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836. His observations during this voyage, particularly in the Galapagos Islands, were fundamental to the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection, which he later published in "On the Origin of Species."
The question asks to identify the scientist who proposed the Mutation Theory of evolution, which emphasizes sudden, large, discontinuous variations as the driving force of evolution, contrasting with gradual change.
Correct Option: B) Hugo de Vries
Hugo de Vries, a Dutch botanist, proposed the Mutation Theory of evolution in 1901. Based on his studies on the evening primrose (Oenothera lamarckiana), he observed sudden, heritable changes (mutations) that led to new forms. He argued that these mutations were the raw material for evolution and that evolution proceeded through these large, discontinuous changes, rather than the gradual accumulation of small variations as proposed by Darwin.