Quote by Jeffrey Eugenides
““The most widely raised type of silkworm, the larva of the 'Bombyx mori', no longer exists anywhere in a natural state. As my encyclopedia poignantly puts it: 'The legs of the larvae have degenerated, and the adults no longer fly'.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides, 1993
Domesticated silkworms have lost their natural traits, illustrating how intensive breeding can erase wild characteristics.
In simple terms: Breeding can erase natural traits.
Key Takeaway
Preserve biodiversity and wild traits.
Themes
environment
genetics
conservation
human impact
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
informative
cautionary
When to use this quote
- agricultural policy
- species preservation
- education
- ethical breeding
Key Concepts
domestication
loss of function
evolutionary change
Questions to Reflect On
- How does domestication affect ecosystem health?
- What responsibilities do we have to protect wild traits?
A Different Perspective
Even cultivated species can lose essential abilities over time.
