Epigenetics Vs Lamarckism

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Every day there are break throughs that challenge our perception of science, as well as the introduction of new scientific theories. In rare cases new research can breathe life into theories that have long been dismissed. The argument can be made that such is the case with epigenetics and Lamarckism.

Although evolution is synonymous with Darwin his was not the only theory. Lamarckism (often referred to as ‘inheritability of soft characteristics’) an idea named after French naturalist Jean Baptiste Lamarck (1744-1829.)

The theory is split into two strands of thought, the first focuses on the usage of characteristics or muscles. Lamarck believed that if an organism used a particular appendage repeatedly that it would grow and become stronger.