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There can be no doubt that the existing Fauna and Flora is…

“There can be no doubt that the existing Fauna and Flora is but the last term of a long series of equally numerous contemporary species, which have succeeded one another, by the slow and gradual substitution of species for species, in the vast interval of time which has elapsed between the…” quote by Thomas Henry Huxley
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““There can be no doubt that the existing Fauna and Flora is but the last term of a long series of equally numerous contemporary species, which have succeeded one another, by the slow and gradual substitution of species for species, in the vast interval of time which has elapsed between the deposition of the earliest fossiliferous strata and the present day.””

Thomas Henry Huxley

About This Quote

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

Species replace each other slowly over vast time, showing continuous change in life forms.

In simple terms: Life evolves gradually over time.

Key Takeaway

Accept change as natural.

Themes

evolution geology history

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

scientific educational

When to use this quote

  • fossil study
  • education
  • science communication
  • environmental policy

Key Concepts

natural selection gradualism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect our view of progress?
  • What evidence supports slow species turnover?
A Different Perspective

Gradual change can be hard to observe within a single lifetime.

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