Evolution Quote by Lee Spetner
““There is another kind of variation that does not involve the genome at all, and is therefore not heritable. Yet it can produce what looks like evolution. Indeed, the results look so much like evolution that for all we know some of the best examples of evolution may be due to this nonheritable kind of variation. [It] has been observed, is well known, and is well documented.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Evolutionary Biology: A Critical Review by Lee Spetner, 2005
Non‑genetic variations can mimic evolutionary change, suggesting that some observed evolution may stem from heritable‑independent mechanisms.
In simple terms: Changes not in DNA can look like evolution.
Key Takeaway
Consider non‑genetic factors in evolutionary studies.
Themes
evolution
biology
variation
Mood
analytical
curious
skeptical
Type
scientific
educational
critical
When to use this quote
- research design
- education curricula
- public policy on genetics
Key Concepts
epigenetics
plasticity
environmental influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genetic from non‑genetic change?
- What implications does this have for evolutionary theory?
A Different Perspective
These mechanisms may have limited impact compared to genetic inheritance.
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
