Hormones and Heredity: A Discussion of the Evolution of Adaptations and the Evolution of SpeciesCunningham, J. T. (Joseph Thomas)
Science
Hormones and Heredity: A Discussion of the Evolution of Adaptations and the Evolution of Species
Cunningham, J. T. (Joseph Thomas)
Endocrinology; Heredity; Hormones; Mendel's law
The evolution of the normal Flat-fish, on the other hand, was obviously
due to a change of a different kind. Here we are dealing with the change
from a symmetrical fish to the asymmetrical. Judging from what takes place
in other mutations, it was quite possible for asymmetry to have developed
directly from the egg, in consequence of some difference in the
chromosomes of the nucleus. It has been shown that placing a fish egg for
a short time in MgCl[2] [Footnote: Stockard, _Arch. Eut. Mech._, xxiii.
(1907).] causes a cyclopean monstrosity to be developed in which the two
eyes are united into one: but the two eyes do not develop separately first
and then gradually approach each other and unite, the development of the
optic cups is different from the first. In the normal Flat-fish the
evolution that has occurred is the original development of the symmetrical
fish, and the subsequent _continuous gradual_ change in eyes, fin, and
colour to the adult Flat-fish as we see it. All the evidence accumulated
by the experiments and observations of mutationists and Mendelians goes to
prove that this change is of an entirely different kind from those
variations which are described as mutations, or as loss or addition of
genetic factors.
This being the case, we have to inquire what is the explanation of the
evolution of the normal metamorphosis.
The important fact is that the original symmetrical structure of the larva
and the asymmetrical structure of the adult Flat-fish correspond to the
different positions of the body of the fish in relation to the vertical,
the horizontal ground at the bottom of the water, and incidence of light.
The larva swims with its plane of symmetry vertical like most other
fishes; its locomotion requires symmetrical development of muscles and
fins; the two sides being equally exposed to light, it requires an eye on
each side, and the pigment on each side is also related to the equal
exposure to light. The adult lying with one side on the ground has its
original plane of symmetry horizontal and parallel to the ground, and only
the other side exposed to light, and on this side only eyes and colour,
_i.e._ pigment. The change of structure corresponds with the change of
habit. It consists in the change of position of the lower eye, the
extension of the dorsal fin forwards, and the disappearance of pigment
from the lower side. In the actual metamorphosis these changes take place
as the skeleton develops, before the hard bones are fully formed, while
the fish is still small, but the young Turbot reaches a much larger size
before metamorphosis is complete, namely, about one inch in length, than
the young Plaice or Flounder. It is of little importance to consider
whether at the beginning of the evolution the change of position occurred
late or early in life. It may have become earlier in the course of the
evolution. The important matter is to consider the evidence in support of
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