Who was the first to recognize the role of the environment as a significant factor in evolutionary change?

Option A, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

Explanation:

Options

a. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

b. Georges Cuvier

c. Thomas Malthus

d. Charles Darwin

e. Charles Lyell

Solution

The second law of Lamarck stated that all living organism eventually adapt to the environment in which they live. However, such adaptations are continuous thereby leading to evolution of species gradually over a long period of time. Lamarck published his theory of evolution in 1801, while Darwin published his book on "origin of species in 1859.

The result predicted by Lamarck regarding impact of environment on evolution was further supported by Darwin, and future scientist.

Hence, option A is correct