The primitive history of the species is all the more fully…
“The primitive history of the species is all the more fully retained in its germ-history in proportion as the series of embryonic forms traversed is longer; and it is more accurately retained the less the mode of life of the recent forms differs from that of the earlier, and the less the peculiarities of the several embryonic states must be regarded as transferred from a later to an earlier period of life, or as acquired independently.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Embryonic development retains primitive traits; similarity increases with less divergent life histories.
In simple terms: Early forms preserve ancient features; similarity rises with less change.
Key Takeaway
Study embryology to understand evolutionary history.
Themes
evolution
development
history
biology
continuity
Mood
analytical
academic
Type
scientific
explanatory
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- museum curation
Key Concepts
phylogenetics
comparative anatomy
developmental biology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do embryonic traits inform phylogeny?
- What exceptions exist in trait retention?
A Different Perspective
Assumes linear retention, ignoring convergent evolution.