Break Quote by Charles Darwin
“If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed, which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down. But I can find no such case.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On the Origin of Species, 1859
If any complex organ could be shown impossible to arise from many small changes, my theory would fail; none such organ is known.
In simple terms: Complex organs can evolve through tiny steps.
Seek evidence of incremental change.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- biology research
- education
- public policy debates
- skeptical inquiry
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports incremental development?
- How do we address apparent gaps?
Some argue that gaps in the fossil record challenge gradualism.