But naturalists are now beginning to look beyond this, and to see that there must be some other principle regulating the infinitely varied forms of animal life.

Summary

This quote suggests that naturalists, scientists who study nature, are realizing that there must be something more than just natural selection that accounts for the great diversity of animal species. They are starting to understand that there is another, yet unknown principle that influences and determines the vast array of forms and characteristics found in the animal kingdom. This indicates a shift in their perspective, acknowledging the existence of something beyond traditional evolutionary explanations.

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