Biological Change Is Slow Because It Adheres to Mendelian Genetics

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The Answer is The statement "Biological change is slow because it adheres to Mendelian genetics but cultural change can be fast because it is Lamarckian in mode" refers to the different mechanisms and rates of change in biological evolution versus cultural evolution.
Biological change, or evolution, is primarily driven by the mechanisms described by Gregor Mendel, known as Mendelian genetics. Mendelian genetics is based on the idea that genes are passed from parents to offspring in discrete units (alleles), and these units segregate and assort independently during sexual reproduction. Evolution in this context is a slow process because it relies on random mutations, natural selection, genetic drift, and other factors that occur over many generations. These changes are gradual and can take thousands to millions of years to significantly alter a species.
On the other hand, cultural change refers to the evolution of ideas, knowledge, behaviors, and social norms within a society. Cultural evolution can be described as "Lamarckian" in mode, which is a reference to the early evolutionary theory proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Lamarck's theory suggested that characteristics acquired during an organism's lifetime could be passed on to its offspring. Although this theory is not applicable to biological evolution, it serves as a useful metaphor for cultural evolution because cultural traits can be acquired and transmitted within a single generation.
Cultural change can be fast because it does not rely on genetic changes or biological reproduction. Instead, it is driven by learning, imitation, innovation, and the dissemination of ideas through language, education, media, and technology. Cultural traits can spread rapidly within a population and across different societies, leading to significant changes in behavior and social norms in relatively short periods of time.
In summary, biological change is slow because it is constrained by the gradual process of genetic inheritance and natural selection, as described by Mendelian genetics. In contrast, cultural change can be fast because it operates through mechanisms that allow for the rapid acquisition and transmission of learned behaviors and ideas, akin to the concept of inheritance of acquired characteristics proposed by Lamarck.

Biological Change Is Slow Because It Adheres to Mendelian Genetics

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Biological Change Is Slow Because It Adheres to Mendelian Genetics

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