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Evolution Quote by Charles Darwin

“Natural selection acts only by the preservation and accumulation of small inherited modifications, each profitable to the preserved being; and as modern geology has almost banished such views as the excavation of a great valley by a single diluvial wave, so will natural selection banish the belief…” quote by Charles Darwin
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““Natural selection acts only by the preservation and accumulation of small inherited modifications, each profitable to the preserved being; and as modern geology has almost banished such views as the excavation of a great valley by a single diluvial wave, so will natural selection banish the belief of the continued creation of new organic beings, or of any great and sudden modification in their structure.””

Charles Darwin

About This Quote

Source Book: The Origin of Species, 1859

Natural selection works through incremental, advantageous changes, not sudden, large‑scale transformations.

In simple terms: Evolution is gradual, not sudden.

Key Takeaway

Embrace slow, steady progress.

Themes

evolution science gradualism

Mood

analytical curious

Type

scientific educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • research
  • conservation

Key Concepts

biology genetics adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do small changes accumulate over time?
  • What evidence supports gradual evolution?
A Different Perspective

Sudden changes can still occur rarely.

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