Lamarckism was based on:

Options

A. Natural selection
B. Survival of the fittest
C. Inheritance of acquired characters
D. Mutations

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Lamarckism**: Lamarckism is a theory of evolution proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. It suggests that organisms can pass on characteristics acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.

2. **Key Concept - Inheritance of Acquired Traits**: The central idea of Lamarckism is the "Inheritance of Acquired Traits." This means that traits developed or modified during an organism's life can be inherited by the next generation.

3. **Example of Giraffes**: Lamarck illustrated his theory using the example of giraffes. He suggested that ancestral giraffes had shorter necks, but as they stretched their necks to reach higher leaves, their necks gradually became longer. This acquired trait (longer neck) would then be passed on to their offspring.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the principles of Lamarckism, the correct answer to the question is that Lamarckism was based on the "Inheritance of Acquired Characters."

5. **Comparison with Other Theories**: It is important to note that this theory differs from Darwin's theory of natural selection, which emphasizes survival of the fittest and adaptation over generations without the direct inheritance of acquired traits.

**Final Answer**: Lamarckism was based on the "Inheritance of Acquired Characters."

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