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Evolution Quote by Richard Dawkins

“A gene is defined as any portion of chromosomal material that potentially lasts for enough generations to serve as a unit of natural selection.” quote by Richard Dawkins
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““A gene is defined as any portion of chromosomal material that potentially lasts for enough generations to serve as a unit of natural selection.””

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

Source Book: The Selfish Gene, 1976

A gene is any DNA segment that can be inherited across generations, acting as a unit of natural selection.

In simple terms: Genes are inheritable DNA units.

Key Takeaway

Study gene longevity.

Themes

biology evolution genetics

Mood

analytical scientific

Type

educational explanatory

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • education
  • conservation biology

Key Concepts

natural selection heredity genomic stability

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do epigenetic factors affect this definition?
  • What role do non‑coding DNA play?
A Different Perspective

Complex traits involve many genes, not just single units.

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