There is no gene for such unambiguous bits of morphology as your left kneecap or your fingernail. […] Hundreds of genes contribute to the building of most body parts and their action is channeled through a kaleidoscopic series of environmental influences: embryonic and postnatal, internal and external. Parts are not translated genes, and selection doesn't even work directly on parts.
"Caring Groups and Selfish Genes", p. 91 - The Panda's Thumb (1980)
![There is no gene for such unambiguous bits of morphology as your left kneecap or your fingernail. […] Hundreds of genes contribute to the building...](https://img.libquotes.com/pic-quotes/v1/stephen-jay-gould-quote-lbm7o2m.jpg)
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![There is no gene for such unambiguous bits of morphology as your left kneecap or your fingernail. […] Hundreds of genes contribute to the building...](https://img.libquotes.com/pic-quotes/v3/stephen-jay-gould-quote-lbm7o2m.jpg)
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