All the acquisitions or losses wrought by nature on…
“All the acquisitions or losses wrought by nature on individuals, through the influence of the environment in which their race has long been placed, and hence through the influence of the predominant use or permanent disuse of any organ; all these are preserved by reproduction to the new individuals which arise, provided that the acquired modifications are common to both sexes, or at least to the individuals which produce the young.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Organisms inherit traits acquired during their lifetimes, passed to offspring if both sexes share them, shaping evolution through use and disuse.
In simple terms: Inherited traits from life experiences can be passed down.
Key Takeaway
Consider how environment shapes future generations.
Themes
evolution
inheritance
environment
biology
adaptation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- animal breeding
- human health
- conservation
- education
- technology design
Key Concepts
Lamarckism
use‑disuse theory
heredity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do current studies support or refute this view?
- What environmental changes could still influence future generations?
A Different Perspective
Modern genetics shows most acquired traits aren't inherited, limiting the theory.