George G. Simpson Quotes

Every paleontologist knows that most new species, genera, and families, and that nearly all categories above the level of family appear in the record suddenly and are not led up to by known, gradual, completely continuous transitional sequences.

- George G. Simpson

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Paleontologist | Species | Genera | Families | Categories |

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Splitting and gradual divergence of genera is exemplified very well and in a large variety of organisms. - George G. Simpson

Recognition of this kinship with the rest of the universe is necessary for understanding him, but his essential nature is defined by qualities found nowhere else, not by those he has in common with apes, fishes, trees, fire, or anything other than himself. - George G. Simpson

Certainly paleontologists have found samples of an extremely small fraction, only, of the earth's extinct species, and even for groups that are most readily preserved and found as fossils they can never expect to find more than a fraction. - George G. Simpson