Skip to content

Account Quote by Michael Behe

“But sequence comparisons simply can't account for the development of complex biochemical systems any more than Darwin's comparison of simple and complex eyes told him how vision worked.” quote by Michael Behe
Download Open image
“But sequence comparisons simply can't account for the development of complex biochemical systems any more than Darwin's comparison of simple and complex eyes told him how vision worked.”

Michael Behe

About This Quote

Source Book: Darwin's Black Box, Michael Behe, 1996

Complex biochemical systems cannot be fully explained by simple sequence comparisons, similar to how Darwin's eye comparison couldn't explain vision.

In simple terms: Sequence comparisons miss system complexity.

Key Takeaway

Consider broader mechanisms beyond sequences.

Themes

biology complexity evolution

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

scientific critical

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education
  • policy debates
  • scientific criticism

Key Concepts

irreducible complexity systems biology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we study emergent biological features?
  • What limits do sequence analyses have?
A Different Perspective

Simplistic comparisons may overlook emergent properties.

3.2 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Michael Behe

Explore all 47 Michael Behe quotes

More Account quotes

Browse all 336 Account quotes