Lamarckism
Lamarckism is a historical biological theory of evolution proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in the early 19th century, which posits that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. It is based on the ideas of use and disuse of organs and the inheritance of acquired characteristics, suggesting that environmental pressures drive evolutionary change through direct adaptation. Although largely superseded by modern evolutionary synthesis, it remains a foundational concept in the history of evolutionary thought.
Developers should learn about Lamarckism to understand the historical context of evolutionary theory, which can inform discussions in fields like evolutionary algorithms, artificial life, or bio-inspired computing. It is particularly relevant when studying the development of genetic algorithms or adaptive systems, as it contrasts with Darwinian natural selection and highlights alternative models of inheritance and adaptation. Knowledge of Lamarckism can also enhance interdisciplinary projects in biology, philosophy of science, or educational contexts about scientific paradigms.