Question

Theory of continuity of germplasm was propounded by
A. Mendel
B. Lamarck
C. Weismann
D. Haeckel

Answer 1

Hint: Many theories was given to show the evolution of life like Lamarck’s theory and Darwin’s theory but Lamarck’s theory was rejected by Weismann stating is the essential element of germ cells, and is the hereditary material that is passed from generation to generation.

Complete answer:
> MENDEL:- Through his careful breeding of garden peas, Gregor Mendel discovered the basic principles of heredity and laid the mathematical foundation of the science of genetics. So , this option is incorrect.

> LAMARCK:- He said that evolution of life forms has occurred but the driving force according to him was disuse and use of organs. Hence, this option is also incorrect.

> WEISMANN :- He rejected Lamarck’s theory and told that the germ cells are set apart from other body cells early in the embryonic development , so changes occurring only in germ plasm affects the characteristics of future generation. So, this option is correct.

> HAECKEL:- Haeckel spent his life researching flora and fauna to explain it to the public. This option is also incorrect.

Hence, The correct answer is option (C).

Note: Weismann cut the tail of newborn mice generation after generation but could not get tailless mice not the mice developed shorter and shorter tails.
His theory states that multicellular organisms consist of germ cells that contain and transmit heritable information, and somatic cells which carry out ordinary bodily functions. Genetic information cannot pass from soma to germ plasm and on to the next generation. This is referred to as the Weismann barrier.