Accepted Quote by John Tyler Bonner
“There are good reasons why natural selection has become widely accepted as an explanation of evolutionary development. When applied to mammals and other large animals, it fits perfectly. But we cannot assume that all evolutionary steps arise from selection, particularly when looking at smaller animals.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms (1998)
Natural selection explains many large‑scale evolutionary changes, but smaller organisms may evolve through other mechanisms.
In simple terms: Big changes fit selection; small ones may not.
Key Takeaway
Consider multiple evolutionary forces beyond selection.
Themes
evolution
natural selection
developmental biology
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- research papers
- biology courses
- science communication
Key Concepts
genetic drift
neutral theory
epigenetics
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative mechanisms drive small‑scale evolution?
- How do we test these ideas experimentally?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on selection can oversimplify complex evolution.
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
