Because the truth, even in small matters like snake coloration, can make a difference, the original quotation is an overstatement.
All natural selection “cares about” is genes copied. Claws, peacock tail feathers, and “maps” can all “make a difference,” but natural selection only acts on the results (genes copied); natural selection itself doesn’t favor any particular kind of adaptation, that’s why I think the original quote is not an overstatement.
All natural selection “cares about” is genes copied. Claws, peacock tail feathers, and “maps” can all “make a difference,” but natural selection only acts on the results (genes copied); natural selection itself doesn’t favor any particular kind of adaptation, that’s why I think the original quote is not an overstatement.