Which example best illustrates Lamarckism, the theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics?

Lamarckism, a theory proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, suggests that organisms can pass on characteristics acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. The core idea behind this theory is that individuals can modify their traits based on their experiences or environment, and these modifications are then inherited by the next generation.

The example of cutting off a rat's tail aligns with Lamarckism because it reflects the concept of inherited acquired characteristics. If a rat were to lose its tail during its life, according to Lamarck's theory, it would pass that acquired trait (the lack of a tail) onto its offspring. This demonstrates the fundamental principle of Lamarckism, where what an organism experiences during its life affects its descendants.

In contrast, the other examples do not pertain to the principles of Lamarckism. For instance, the rapid reproduction of salmon reflects natural selection rather than the inheritance of traits acquired during the salmon's lifetime. The finches on the Galapagos Islands showcase evolution through natural selection, where different species adapt to their environments over generations rather than through individual acquired traits. Breeding taller cows illustrates artificial selection, which is a different process where specific traits are chosen for reproduction to enhance certain characteristics in future generations, yet it does not