Crabs Quote by Carl Sagan
““This process is called artificial selection. In the case of the Heike crab it was effected more or less unconsciously by the fishermen, and certainly without any serious contemplation by the crabs. But humans have deliberately selected which plants and animals shall live and which shall die for thousands of years.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Cosmos, Carl Sagan, 1980
Humans have long shaped species through conscious and unconscious choices, unlike animals acting without intent.
In simple terms: Humans select which species survive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize our impact on ecosystems.
Themes
evolution
human influence
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- farming
- conservation
- genetic research
- policy making
Key Concepts
artificial selection
anthropogenic change
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities arise from this power?
- How can we balance selection with preservation?
A Different Perspective
Selection can reduce biodiversity.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
