Q.96 Match the following evolutionary biologists with their respective theory
I) August Weisman                                     i) Neutral theory of molecular evolution
II) Jean-Baptiste Lamark                          ii) Handicap principle
III) Amotz Zahavi                                        iii) Germ plasm theory
IV) Motoo Kimura                                       iv) Inheritance of acquired characteristics
(A) I-ii, II-iv, III-i, IV-iii (B) I-iii, II-iv, III-ii, IV-i
(C) I-iii, II-iv, III-i, IV-ii (D) I-iii, II-i, III-iv, IV-ii

August Weismann is known for the germ plasm theory, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck for inheritance of acquired characteristics, Amotz Zahavi for the handicap principle, and Motoo Kimura for the neutral theory of molecular evolution. The correct matching is option (B).

Correct Answer

Option (B): I-iii, II-iv, III-ii, IV-i

Biologist-Theory Matches

• I) August Weismann → iii) Germ plasm theory: Weismann proposed that hereditary information resides solely in germ cells (sperm and eggs), separated from somatic body cells, preventing inheritance of acquired traits. His tail-cutting experiments on mice over generations supported this, as offspring retained normal tails.

• II) Jean-Baptiste Lamarck → iv) Inheritance of acquired characteristics: Lamarck argued that traits developed during an organism’s lifetime (e.g., via use or disuse) could be passed to offspring, like a giraffe stretching its neck.

• III) Amotz Zahavi → ii) Handicap principle: Zahavi’s theory explains costly signals in sexual selection, where only high-quality individuals can afford extravagant displays (e.g., peacock tails) as honest indicators of fitness.​

• IV) Motoo Kimura → i) Neutral theory of molecular evolution: Kimura posited that most molecular changes are neutral (neither adaptive nor deleterious) and fixed by genetic drift rather than selection.​

Option Analysis

• (A) I-ii, II-iv, III-i, IV-iii: Wrong. Weismann (I) did not propose handicap principle (ii); that’s Zahavi. Kimura (IV) is neutral theory (i), not germ plasm (iii).

• (B) I-iii, II-iv, III-ii, IV-i: Correct. All matches align with established theories as detailed above.

• (C) I-iii, II-iv, III-i, IV-ii: Wrong. Zahavi (III) is handicap (ii), not neutral (i); Kimura (IV) is neutral (i), not handicap (ii).

• (D) I-iii, II-i, III-iv, IV-ii: Wrong. Lamarck (II) is acquired characteristics (iv), not neutral (i); mismatches for III and IV.

This question tests core evolutionary biology concepts, common in GATE Life Sciences exams.

Introduction to Evolutionary Biologists Theories Matching

In evolutionary biologists theories matching for competitive exams like GATE Life Sciences, understanding key figures like August Weismann, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, Amotz Zahavi, and Motoo Kimura is crucial. This evolutionary biologists match question (Q.96) links them to germ plasm theory, inheritance of acquired characteristics, handicap principle, and neutral theory of molecular evolution. Master it with detailed breakdowns for exam success.

Who Are These Evolutionary Biologists?

• August Weismann: Pioneer of germ plasm theory, separating germ cells from somatic cells to refute Lamarckism.

• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck: Originator of inheritance of acquired characteristics, suggesting environmental adaptations pass to offspring.​

• Amotz Zahavi: Developer of handicap principle in sexual selection, emphasizing costly signals.​

• Motoo Kimura: Proponent of neutral theory of molecular evolution, highlighting genetic drift’s role.​

Step-by-Step Matching Solution

1. Match I (Weismann) to iii (germ plasm theory) based on his heredity model.

2. Pair II (Lamarck) with iv (inheritance of acquired characteristics).

3. Link III (Zahavi) to ii (handicap principle).

4. Assign IV (Kimura) to i (neutral theory).

Correct Option (B) emerges as the only accurate evolutionary biologists theories matching.

Why Option (B) Wins in GATE PYQs

GATE-style evolutionary biologists match questions like this appear in Zoology/Evolution sections. Weismann’s experiments and Kimura’s drift model are high-yield topics. Avoid distractors by recalling primary associations.

Exam Tips for Evolutionary Theories

• Focus on Weismann germ plasm theory vs. Lamarckism contrast.

• Practice Kimura neutral theory calculations for molecular clocks.

• Use mnemonics: “Weismann Guards Germs” for I-iii.

This evolutionary biologists theories matching Weismann Lamarck Zahavi Kimura prep boosts GATE scores.