Skip to content

Biology can be divided into the study of proximate causes…

“Biology can be divided into the study of proximate causes, the study of the physiological sciences (broadly conceived), and into the study of ultimate (evolutionary) causes, the subject of natural history.” quote by Ernst Mayr
Download Open image
“Biology can be divided into the study of proximate causes, the study of the physiological sciences (broadly conceived), and into the study of ultimate (evolutionary) causes, the subject of natural history.”

Ernst Mayr

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Biology studies immediate causes, physiological processes, and ultimate evolutionary reasons.

In simple terms: Biology has three focus areas.

Key Takeaway

Consider both short and long term causes.

Themes

science biology evolution

Mood

analytical educational

Type

academic scientific

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

proximate causes physiological sciences ultimate causes

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you integrate proximate and ultimate causes?
  • What role does evolution play in your field?
A Different Perspective

Focusing only on one level can miss the full picture.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ernst Mayr

Explore all 51 Ernst Mayr quotes

More Biology quotes

Browse all 3,034 Biology quotes