Jean-Baptiste de la Marck, often just known as "Lamarck", was a French soldier, naturalist, academic and an early proponent of the idea that evolution occurred and proceeded in accordance with natural laws. In the modern era, Lamarck is remembered primarily for a theory of inheritance of acquired characters, called soft inheritance or Lamarckism. However, his idea of soft inheritance was, perhaps, a reflection of the folk wisdom of the time, accepted by many natural historians. Lamarck's contribution to evolutionary theory consisted of the first truly cohesive theory of evolution, in which an alchemical complexifying force drove organisms up a ladder of complexity, and a second environmental force adapted them to local environments through use and disuse of characteristics, differentiating them from other organisms.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... te_Lamarck View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Scientists • Soldiers • Theories • August 01 • Botany • Evolution • France • Genetics • Industrial Revolution • Leo • Naturalists • Nature • Zoology • All Events • 17th Century • 18th Century • People