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About this quote

What does it mean?
The universal genetic code across all life forms proves that all Earth organisms share a single common ancestor.
In plain terms
All life on Earth is related because the genetic code is identical.
What can you take from it?
Genetic similarity confirms a shared origin for all life.

Where it applies

  • explaining evolution
  • teaching biology
  • discussing life

Putting it to work

  • educating on genetics
  • supporting evolution
  • scientific literacy

Questions to consider

  • How does code prove origin?
  • What are the limits of genetics?

Another view

This doesn't address how life originated initially.

More from Richard Dawkins

  1. The river of my title is a river of DNA, and it flows through time, not space. It is a river of information, not a river of bones and tissues.

    Permalink to quote #48
  2. What is truly revolutionary about molecular biology in the post-Watson-Crick era is that it has become digital.

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. ... you need more than luck to navigate successfully through a thousand sieves in succession.

    Permalink to quote #47

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