On the Adaptive Disadvantage of Lamarckianism in Rapidly Changing Environments

摘要

Using a simple simulation model of evolution and learning, this paper provides an evolutionary argument why Lamarckian inheritance - the direct transfer of lifetime learning from parent to offspring - may be so rare in nature. Lamarckian inheritance allows quicker genetic adaptation to new environmental conditions than non-lamarckian inheritance. While this may be an advantage in the short term, it may be detrimental in the long term, since the population may be less well prepared for future environmental changes than in the absence of Lamarckianism.