Evolution Quote by Charles Darwin
““I am fully convinced that species are not immutable; but that those belonging to what are called the same genera are lineal descendants of some other and generally extinct species, in the same manner as the acknowledged varieties of any one species are the descendants of that species. Furthermore, I am convinced that natural selection has been the most important, but not the exclusive, means of modification.””
About This Quote
Source Book: On the Origin of Species, 1859
Species evolve over time, with new species descending from extinct ancestors, and natural selection is a key driver though not the only one.
In simple terms: Species change; natural selection is important.
Key Takeaway
Recognize evolution and its mechanisms.
Themes
evolution
natural selection
biology
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- science communication
- policy making
- environmental conservation
Key Concepts
phylogeny
descent with modification
adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does natural selection interact with other evolutionary forces?
- What evidence supports species change over time?
A Different Perspective
Evolutionary theory also involves genetic drift and gene flow.
![“I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science…It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/958/charles-darwin-507_bounds_i-am-quite-conscious-that-my-speculation_35382.jpg)
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
