The theory of inheritance of acquired character or the theory of use and disuse of organ was given by

Options

A. Wallace
B. Lamarck
C. Charles Darwin
D. Hugo de Vries

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the scientist who proposed the theory of inheritance of acquired characters or the theory of use and disuse of organs.

2. **Defining Key Terms**:
- **Inheritance**: This refers to the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.
- **Acquired Characters**: These are traits that an organism develops during its lifetime, which can be passed on to the next generation according to the theory in question.

3. **Explaining the Theory**:
- The theory of inheritance of acquired characters suggests that traits acquired by an organism during its lifetime can be inherited by its offspring.
- An example often used to illustrate this theory is that of giraffes. Initially, giraffes had shorter necks and fed on grass. As the grass became scarce, they had to stretch their necks to reach leaves on trees. Over generations, this trait of having longer necks became more pronounced.

4. **Identifying the Scientist**:
- The scientist who proposed this theory is Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. He articulated these ideas in his work "Philosophie Zoologique".

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the answer to the question is **Lamarck**.

**Final Answer**: The theory of inheritance of acquired characters or the theory of use and disuse of organs was given by **Jean-Baptiste Lamarck**.

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