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　　Classmates Frank and Lillian meet on the Harvard Campus:

　　F: Hi, Lillian. Cramming for your midterms?

　　L: Actually, I'm pondering5 this ridiculous ad that's offering US,000 for my Ivy League eggs.

　　F: Oh yes, my wife told me about that. She was wondering if there was something deficient6 with her eggs as she only graduated from the University of Toronto.

　　L: That's why it's so ridiculous! They are assuming that just because I attend Harvard my eggs will likewise develop into Harvard grads.

　　F: You have to admit that parents have always wanted to give their children every advantage.

　　L: So, it's OK for a parent to try and gain a genetic advantage for his or her offspring?

　　F: You're right, that's excessive. I favor nurture in the nature-nurture issue.7 It's hard to conceive that Harvard genes are a substitute for a supportive household that values and encourages education.

　　L: Agreed. If psychologists can teach pigeons to play ping-pong, then how much greater the effect of nurture must be for people.

　　F: I take it you won't be considering the offer?

　　L: No, I'm afraid I don't quite measure up.8

　　F: But you scored 1400 on your SATs!

　　L: Yes, but they want a donor who is 177cm. I'm only 174cm.