Biological evolution Quote by Douglas J. Futuyma
“In the broadest sense, evolution is merely change, and so is all-pervasive; galaxies, languages, and political systems all evolve. Biological evolution ... is change in the properties of populations of organisms that transcend the lifetime of a single individual.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Evolutionary Biology, Douglas J. Futuyma, 1998
Evolution is a universal process of change affecting all complex systems, not just living organisms.
In simple terms: All systems change over time, like evolution.
Key Takeaway
Recognize change as constant across domains.
Themes
change
universality
systems
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
intellectual
neutral
When to use this quote
- technology development
- cultural shifts
- language evolution
- political reforms
Key Concepts
Evolutionary theory
systems theory
complexity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect our approach to societal change?
- What limits exist in comparing biological and cultural evolution?
A Different Perspective
Equating all change to biological evolution may oversimplify distinct mechanisms.
![“Mosts scientist are unable to arrive at a specific definition of biological evolution. “Biological evolution is… change in the properties of populations of organisms (you and me) that [happen during] the lifetime of a single individual. The changes in populations that are considered evolutionary…” quote by Douglas J. Futuyma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/65c/douglas-j-futuyma-74481_biological_mosts-scientist-are-unable-to-arrive-at_2699741.jpg)
