Synopsis
Excerpt from Evolution and Adaptation
The adaptation of animals and plants to the conditions under which they live has always excited the interest, and also the imagination, of philosophers and scientists; for this relation between the organism and its environment is one of the most characteristic features of living things. The ques tion at once suggests itself: How has such a relation been brought about? Is it due to something inherent in the liv ing matter itself, or is it something that has been, as it were, superimposed upon it? An example may make my meaning clearer. No one will suppose that there is anything inherent in iron and other metals that would cause them to produce an engine if left to themselves. The particular arrangement of the pieces has been superimposed upon the metals, so that they now fulfil a purpose, or use. Have the materials of which organisms are composed been given a definite arrange ment, so that they fulfil the purpose of maintaining the existence of the organism; and if so, how has this been accomplished? It is the object of the following pages to discuss this question in all its bearings, and to give, as far as possible, an idea of the present state of biological thought concerning the problem. I trust that the reader will not be disappointed if he finds in the sequel that many of the most fundamental questions in regard to adaptation are still unsettled.
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Evolution and Adaptation (Classic Reprint)
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book examines the intriguing topic of adaptation in living things. It begins by defining adaptation as a reciprocal relationship between an organism and its environment, emphasizing how specific adaptations improve the organism's chances of survival. The author explores a wide range of adaptations, including physical characteristics, behavioral responses, and physiological adjustments. The book also delves into the evolution of adaptations, considering how natural selection has shaped these traits over time. Additionally, the author explores the concept of rudimentary organs, vestigial structures that no longer serve an apparent function in the organism. Ultimately, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex and fascinating subject of adaptation in living organisms. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781330271384_0
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