Biology Quote by John Maynard Smith
“The evolution of sex is the hardest problem in evolutionary biology.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Evolutionary Biology, John Maynard Smith, 1978
Sexual evolution presents the toughest challenge in biology.
In simple terms: Sex is the hardest evolutionary problem.
Key Takeaway
Study sexual selection.
Themes
evolution
sex
complexity
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- biology research
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
natural selection
genetics
reproductive strategies
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is sex evolution so difficult?
- What insights can it give to other problems?
A Different Perspective
Sexual evolution is complex but essential to understand.
![“This argument [that life is too improbable to have arisen by chance] comes up repeatedly: its latest manifestation is Hoyle's discussion of the likelihood of a wind blowing through a junkyard assembling a Boeing 707 [sic]. What is wrong with it? Essentially, it is that no biologist imagines that…” quote by John Maynard Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b2/john-maynard-smith-28856_argument_this-argument-that-life-is-too-improbabl_1662785.jpg)
