On the Variation of Species, with Especial Reference to the Insecta: Followed by an Inquiry into the Nature of GeneraWollaston, Thomas Vernon
Science
On the Variation of Species, with Especial Reference to the Insecta: Followed by an Inquiry into the Nature of Genera
Wollaston, Thomas Vernon
Insects; Variation (Biology)
FOOTNOTES:
[46] Insecta Maderensia, pp. 56, 57.
[47] Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects, ii. p. 466.
[48] _Id._ ii. p. 469.
[49] _Id._ ii. p. 454.
[50] Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects, ii. p. 480.
[51] Essai, p. 103.
[52] Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects, ii. p. 473.
[53] Trans. of the Ent. Soc. of London, ii. p. 60.
[54] _Id._ ii. p. 59.
[55] Insecta Maderensia, pp. 260, 261.
[56] Vide _supra_, p. 5.
[57] Although, in our ignorance of their real nature, we cannot cite
them as actually analogous to these separate phases in certain members
of the Insecta, yet we are forcibly reminded by the latter of the
distinct states which many of the Terrestrial Mollusca present
(frequently in equal proportions) in the same localities. Thus, most
of the _Pupae_ have at least two abruptly-marked forms,--a larger and
smaller one. Many of the _Helices_ also exhibit this tendency in an
eminent degree: I have indeed been shown specimens by Sir Charles
Lyell of the _Helix hirsuta_, Say, from North America, one state of
which is considerably more than double the dimensions of the other;
and I believe it is a well-known fact that intermediate links _have_
not yet been observed to connect the extremes. May not therefore the
gigantic _H. Lowei_ and _Bowdichiana_, which are now extinct in the
Madeira Islands, have been but forms of the _H. Portosanctana_ and
_punctulata_, respectively,--co-existent with them, though more
sensitive to the great diminutions of altitude and area which were
consequent on the breaking-up of a once continuous land? If such be
the case, however, it is certain that they were far commoner at an
early period than their smaller colleagues (which, now, in their
proper districts, absolutely teem),--seeing that the _latter_ are
extremely rare in the fossil deposits, whilst they themselves
literally abound.
[58] Insecta Maderensia, p. 78.
[59] Insecta Maderensia, pp. 21, 22.
CHAPTER V.
GEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS.
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