Question

The evolution of organisms by natural selection is called

• A. Mendelism
• B. Lamarckism
• C. Micro-development
• D. Darwinism

Hint:

Remember the key associations: Darwin \(\rightarrow\) Natural Selection; Lamarck \(\rightarrow\) Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics; Mendel \(\rightarrow\) Laws of Inheritance (Genetics).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the name of the scientific theory that explains evolution primarily through the mechanism of natural selection.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Darwinism: This is the theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin. Its central concept is natural selection, which states that organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Over generations, this process leads to the evolution of species. } \\ \bullet & \text{Lamarckism: Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, this theory suggested that evolution occurred through the inheritance of acquired characteristics. For example, a giraffe stretching its neck would pass a longer neck to its offspring. This theory has been largely discredited. } \\ \bullet & \text{Mendelism: This refers to the principles of heredity (like the law of segregation and independent assortment) discovered by Gregor Mendel through his experiments with pea plants. It forms the basis of modern genetics but is not a theory of evolution itself, although it provides the mechanism for the variation on which natural selection acts. } \\ \bullet & \text{Micro-development: This is not a standard term for a theory of evolution. } \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The theory of evolution of organisms by natural selection is called Darwinism.