Nature 244, 259 - 262 (03 August 1973); doi:10.1038/244259a0

Ancient Linkage Groups and Frozen Accidents

SUSUMU OHNO

Department of Biology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010

Evidence is presented that the genetic differences between man and the other mammals are extremely small. This supports the concept that natural selection conserves the status quo. The idea of evolution viewed as a succession of "frozen accidents" is discussed, taking as an example the remarkable similarity of the X-linkage group in all mammals both placental and marsupial.

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