Biology Quote by Lynn Margulis
![“Natural selection eliminates and maybe maintains, but it doesn't create... Neo-Darwinists say that new species emerge when mutations occur and modify an organism. I was taught over and over again that the accumulation of random mutations led to evolutionary change [which] led to new species. I…” quote by Lynn Margulis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b9/lynn-margulis-17073_biology_natural-selection-eliminates-and-maybe-m_397958.jpg)
““Natural selection eliminates and maybe maintains, but it doesn't create... Neo-Darwinists say that new species emerge when mutations occur and modify an organism. I was taught over and over again that the accumulation of random mutations led to evolutionary change [which] led to new species. I believed it until I looked for evidence.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Symbiosis in Evolution by Lynn Margulis, 1998
The quote challenges the view that random mutations alone drive speciation, emphasizing that selection removes traits but does not generate new ones, and that evidence for mutation‑driven speciation is lacking.
In simple terms: Selection removes, but doesn't create new species; mutation alone may not explain evolution.
Key Takeaway
Question the adequacy of mutation‑only models.
Themes
evolution
science
skepticism
biology
philosophy
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- research design
- education curricula
- public science communication
Key Concepts
mutation
natural selection
speciation
evidence‑based reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative mechanisms could drive speciation?
- How robust is the evidence for mutation‑driven evolution?
A Different Perspective
Mutation‑only explanations may overlook other mechanisms like symbiosis or genetic drift.
