On Molecular and Microscopic Science, Volume 2 (of 2)Somerville, Mary
History
On Molecular and Microscopic Science, Volume 2 (of 2)
Somerville, Mary
Matter -- Constitution; Microscopy; Natural history
The genus Globigerina consists of a spiral aggregation of globose
segments, which are nearly disconnected from each other although united
by mutual cohesion. The segments are always somewhat flattened against
one another in their planes or junctions, and sometimes the flattening
extends over a pretty large surface as in G, fig. 97. The entire series
of segments shows itself on the upper side, but on the lower side only
the segments forming the latest convolution are prominent; they are
usually four in number, and are arranged symmetrically round a deep
depression or vestibule; the bottom of which is formed by the segments
of the earlier convolutions. In this vestibule each segment opens by a
large crescent-shaped orifice, the several chambers having no direct
communication with each other. The entire shell of the ordinary type may
attain the diameter of about 1/30 of an inch, but it is usually much
smaller; the typical form, however, is subject to very considerable
modifications. In newly formed segments of Globigerina, the hyaline
shell substance is perforated by tubuli varying from 1/10000 to 1/5000
of an inch in diameter, arranged at pretty regular distances; but in
deep seas the surface of the shell is raised by an external deposit into
tubercles or ridges, the orifices of the pores appearing between them.
_Fig. 100, p. 41._
[Illustration: ROSALINA ORNATA.]
Each chamber of the shell is occupied by a reddish-yellow segment of
sarcode, from which pseudopodia are seen to protrude; and it is supposed
that the sarcode body also fills the vestibule, since without such
connecting band it is difficult to understand how the segments which
occupy the separate chambers can communicate with each other, or how new
segments can be budded off. In the Globigerina the slight cohesion gives
reason to believe that the separation of the parts may be a means of
reproduction.
The Rosalina ornata, one of the most beautiful specimens of this group,
and remarkable for the size of its pores, is represented in fig. 100
with its pseudopodia extended, and coalescing in some parts.
The shells of the genus Textularia consist of a double series of
chambers disposed on each side of an axis, so that they look as if they
were mutually interwoven. As the segments for the most part increase
gradually in size, the shell is generally triangular, the apex being
formed of the first segment, and its base of the two last (H, fig. 97).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account