Jean Baptiste Lamarack
Lamarack was most well known for his theory of "Inheritance of acquired characteristics" also known as "Use-Disuse theory". He was the first person to actually propose a mechanism for evolution. It later turned out that he was incorrect but not all was for nothing because by doing this Lamarack opened the door to challenge peoples long held beliefs. He also imposed a theory of "Jumping Genes" which proves as excellent evidence to support his theory and legacy.
"Use- Disuse Theory"
This theory that Lamarack invented is the "Use-Disuse theory" which means "if you don't use it, you lose it" pretty much. Lamarack studied Giraffe necks and how if they use their long necks and so do their ancestors, over time the long neck (structure) will develop better. His theory states that if the Giraffe stretches it's neck then the neck will elongate or extend and that will be passed down to the next generation.
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Quick Facts
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was born on August 1, 1744 and died on December 18, 1829 went blind and died a poor man in Paris . Often known simply as Lamarck, he was a French naturalist. But more than that he was a soldier, biologist, academic, and an early proponent of the idea that evolution occurred and proceeded in accordance with natural laws. A good friend and naturalist Georges Buffon, he was made a member of the Academy of Sciences in 1779.