An idea that could be traced back to Plato is that
A) hybrids showed that species could be changed with time.
B) variation is due to imperfections in copies of some perfect ideal form.
C) artificial selection of animals by humans proves that evolution can occur.
D) acquired characteristics could be passed from parents to offspring.
E) worldwide catastrophes caused extinction, followed by creation of new species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plato believed in the existence of a perfect and ideal form for everything, including living organisms. He suggested that variation seen in nature is due to imperfections or deviations from this perfect form. This idea influenced later philosophers and scientists, including Aristotle and Linnaeus, in developing the concept of classification and the search for the ideal or "perfect" form of each species.

An Idea That Could Be Traced Back to Plato Is