Explain how the trunk of an elephant evolved using Darwin's theory of natural selection, and then Lamarck's theory.

According to Darwin's theory, genetic variation within the population means that some elephants are born with longer noses. Longer noses are better suited to the environment, so longer-nosed elephants are more likely to be able to get food. They are therefore more likely to survive and reproduce. The genes responsible for the longer nose are passed on to their offspring, and across many generations this developed into the modern elephant trunk. According to Lamarck's theory, early elephants stretched their noses to reach more food during their lifetime. The stretched nose is then passed on their offspring.

KP
Answered by Katie P. Biology tutor

31603 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between diffusion, osmosis and active transport?


Describe how a a neurone communicates it's information with an adjacent neurone through the synapse? (3 marks)


What's the difference between a eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell?


What is the electrical conducting pathway through the heart?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning