Battle of Theories: Darwin Versus Lamarck

Today, scientist all over the world, acknowledge the theory of evolution. But, who provided us the basic knowledge that we have used, and are still using to understand the world and its evolution. This paper will first focus on how the science is done, in other words, the scientific method. Then, on the two pioneer of the study of evolution, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin.

The word science comes from the latin scientia which means knowledge. In other words, science is a way of knowing, and by following the scientific method, a scientific knowledge is produced. The scientific method distinguish from other forms because it needs systematic experimentation. The first step to understand a phenomenon is to observe and collect information about the subject. The second step consists of formulating a hypothesis; the third consist of experimenting the hypothesis to found if the ideas on the topic are wrong, or right. For this stage, it is necessary to ensure objectivity. If the experiments bear out the hypothesis, it can be considered as a theory. There are two theories that have changed to way we viewed the word, and the evolution of organisms.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was the first one to propose the first coherent theory about evolution. This French biologist is widely known for his theory of acquired characteristics. His theory to explain the diversity of organism consists of two major features. The first one proposes that the interactions one has with his environment drove the process of evolution. In other words, a changing environment creates a need for an individual to develop certain characteristics to survive. The second part of his theory states that those “acquired characteristics” are somehow passed on to their oppspring.This idea is based on the concept of use and disuse, which says that if an organism uses a particular organ, or muscle, this part of the body will get stronger. If that part is not used, than it will become weaker. According to...