In 1809, prominent naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed a theory for the evolution of species. According to his theory, which was known as transmutation of species, organisms gain physical traits during their lives that allow them to adapt to their environments. These organisms then pass their acquired physical traits down to their offspring. This process, according to Lamarck's theory, explains the way in which species have become adapted to their environments. Which of the following observations most likely demonstrated the inaccuracy of this theory?

Question

In 1809, prominent naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed a theory for the evolution of species. According to his theory, which was known as transmutation of species, organisms gain physical traits during their lives that allow them to adapt to their environments. These organisms then pass their acquired physical traits down to their offspring. This process, according to Lamarck's theory, explains the way in which species have become adapted to their environments.   Which of the following observations most likely demonstrated the inaccuracy of this theory?