Although species may be discrete, they have no immutable essence. Variation is the raw material of evolutionary change. It represents the fundamental reality of nature, not an accident about a created norm. Variation is primary; essences are illusory. Species must be defined as ranges of irreducible variation.


"Of Wasps and WASPs", p. 160 - The Flamingo's Smile (1985)

Stephen Jay Gould Quotes

Although species may be discrete, they have no immutable essence. Variation is the raw material of evolutionary change. It represents the fundamental ...

Although species may be discrete, they have no immutable essence. Variation is the raw material of evolutionary change. It represents the fundamental ...

Although species may be discrete, they have no immutable essence. Variation is the raw material of evolutionary change. It represents the fundamental ...

Although species may be discrete, they have no immutable essence. Variation is the raw material of evolutionary change. It represents the fundamental ...