The Origin of Species as revealed by Vertebrate Palæontology

Abstract

Discussions of evolution came to an end primarily because it was obvious that no progress was being made. … We became geneticists in the conviction that there at least must evolutionary wisdom be found. … The discontinuity of variation was recognised in abundance. Plenty of the Mendelian combinations would in nature pass the scrutiny of even an exacting systematist and be given ‘specific rank.’ In the light of such facts the origin of species was no doubt a similar phenomenon. … We cannot see how the differentiation into species came about. Variations of many kinds, often considerable, we daily witness, but no origin of species. … That particular and essential bit of the theory of evolution which is concerned with the origin and nature of species remains utterly mysterious. (William Bateson: Evolutionary Faith and Modern Doubts. Address in Toronto, December 28, 1921.)