The Principles of Biology, Volume 2 (of 2) — John Shaqi
The Principles of Biology, Volume 2 (of 2)Spencer, Herbert
Science
The Principles of Biology, Volume 2 (of 2)
Spencer, Herbert
Biology
the rootlets suffices for the full development of the secondary frond,
there is a likelihood that the growth from it of a tertiary frond,
will become an habitual characteristic of the variety. Along with the
establishment of such a tertiary frond, as shown in Fig. 74, there
must arise a further development of mid-rib in the primary frond, as
well as in the secondary frond--a development which must bring with it
a greater integration of the two; while, simultaneously, extra growth
will take place in such of the rootlets as are most directly connected
with this main channel of circulation. Without further explanation it
will be seen, on inspecting Figs. 75 and 76, that there may in this
manner result an integrated series of fronds, placed alternately on
opposite sides of a connecting vascular structure. That this connecting
vascular structure will, as shown in the figures, become more distinct
from the foliar surfaces as these multiply, is no unwarranted
assumption; for we have seen in compound-leaved plants, how, under
analogous conditions, mid-ribs become developed into separate
supporting parts, which acquire some of the characters of axes while
assuming their functions. And now mark how clearly the structure thus
built up by integration of proliferously-growing fronds, corresponds
with the structure of the more-developed _Jungermanniaceæ_. Each of
the fronds successively produced, repeating the characters of its
parent, will bear roots; and will bear them in homologous places, as
shown. Further, the united mid-ribs having but very little rigidity,
will be unable to maintain an erect position. Hence there will result
the recumbent, continuously-rooted stem, which these types exhibit: an
embryo phænogam having the weakness of an embryo.[9]
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