<human>:  What is the theory of Lamarckism?
<bot>: Lamarckism is the theory that acquired characteristics can be passed on to offspring. It is a theory that was proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1809. Lamarck believed that organisms could pass on characteristics they acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. For example, if a giraffe stretched its neck to reach a higher branch, its offspring would have longer necks.