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Blood Quote by Henry Walter Bates

“... on these expanded membranes [butterfly wings] Nature writes, as on a tablet, the story of the modifications of species, so truly do all changes of the organisation register themselves thereon. Moreover, the same colour-patterns of the wings generally show, with great regularity, the degrees of…” quote by Henry Walter Bates
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“... on these expanded membranes [butterfly wings] Nature writes, as on a tablet, the story of the modifications of species, so truly do all changes of the organisation register themselves thereon. Moreover, the same colour-patterns of the wings generally show, with great regularity, the degrees of blood-relationship of the species. As the laws of nature must be the same for all beings, the conclusions furnished by this group of insects must be applicable to the whole world.”

Henry Walter Bates

About This Quote

Source Book: Contributions to the Natural History of the Lepidoptera, 1863

Species' wing patterns reflect evolutionary relationships, showing nature's consistent laws.

In simple terms: Wing patterns reveal species' evolutionary ties.

Key Takeaway

Study patterns to understand evolution.

Themes

evolution biology nature relationships science taxonomy

Mood

analytical scientific

Type

educational informative

When to use this quote

  • biodiversity research
  • education
  • conservation
  • museum c

Key Concepts

phylogeny inheritance natural selection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does wing pattern tell us about species?
  • How reliable are visual cues in taxonomy?
A Different Perspective

Pattern similarity can be misleading without genetic data.

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