Comparative Analysis of Darwin and Lamarck

In the annals of scientific exploration, two prominent theories regarding the origins of species stand out: Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection and Lamarck's Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics. Darwin proposed that species evolve over generations through a process where the individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce, gradually passing those traits to future generations. Conversely, Lamarck suggested that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring, leading to gradual changes in the species over time. This debate has influenced not only scientific discourse but also philosophical thought about adaptation and change in nature.

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While both individuals and species undergo transformations, the mechanisms driving these changes differ significantly according to these theories. Notably, Darwin's perspective emphasizes random mutations as a key driver of evolution, while Lamarck's viewpoint attributes a more purposeful aspect to evolutionary change, where organisms actively shape their traits based on environmental pressures.

Considering these distinct approaches, which of the following assertions best summarizes the comparative analysis of Darwin's and Lamarck's theories?