Which of the following best describes how Lamarck would explain the evolution of long necks in giraffes?

• A. Giraffes interbred with other species, resulting in longer necks over time.
• B. Giraffes stretched their necks to reach higher leaves, and this acquired trait was passed on to their offspring.
• C. Random mutations caused some giraffes to have longer necks, which became more common over generations.
• D. Giraffes with naturally longer necks survived and reproduced more successfully, passing on their genes.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand Lamarck's theory of evolution. Lamarck proposed the idea of inheritance of acquired characteristics, which suggests that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime can be passed on to its offspring.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Look for the explanation that aligns with Lamarck's theory, specifically focusing on the idea of traits being acquired through use or disuse and then inherited.
3. Step 3: Eliminate options that describe mechanisms inconsistent with Lamarck's theory. For example, options involving random mutations or natural selection align more closely with Darwinian evolution, not Lamarckian evolution.
4. Step 4: Identify the option that describes giraffes stretching their necks to reach higher leaves and passing this acquired trait to their offspring. This explanation matches Lamarck's idea of acquired characteristics being inherited.
5. Step 5: Confirm your understanding by comparing Lamarck's theory to Darwin's theory of evolution. Lamarck emphasized the inheritance of acquired traits, while Darwin focused on natural selection and genetic variation.