The Ohio Journal of Science (Continuation of the Ohio Naturalist), 1917-1918, Vol. 18

Download or read book The Ohio Journal of Science (Continuation of the Ohio Naturalist), 1917-1918, Vol. 18 written by Frederic H. Krecker and published by Forgotten Books. This book was released on 2017-10-17 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from The Ohio Journal of Science (Continuation of the Ohio Naturalist), 1917-1918, Vol. 18: Official Organ of the Ohio Academy of Science and of the Ohio State University Scientific Society Some studies concerning the axial rotation of aquatic microorganisms occupying my attention during the last two years, have yielded results which it is believed are of decided im portance in connection with the principles underlying evolution. In general it may be stated that the positively phototactic free swimming forms of the northern hemisphere rotate clock wise, assuming the Observer in front of the advancing organism, and the negatively phototactic forms counter-clockwise, while in the southern hemisphere there are reverse conditions. The apparent exceptions thus far noted have been found closely allied to northern forms and may have been introduced sub sequent to the origin of the southern forms. The evidence although far from complete is gradually accumulating that the characteristic is one which has been gradually impressed upon the organisms through the rotation of the earth and the apparent path of the sun from east to west. Any attempt to account for it on the basis of natural selection can scarcely gain credence. While the possible effects of the angular velocity of the earth or of certain electrical conditions may be considered, it does not seem that the result could in this way be explained. Experimental attempts to reverse or to diminish the rapidity of the rotation of the organisms have thus far failed. The problem is an interesting one from the geophysical as well as the biological point of View, and many interesting principles come under consideration. Among these may be mentioned the Pendulation Theory, Bipolar Distribution, The Twining Of Plants, The Tropism Theory, etc. Similarly the direction of the spirals in Spirochaeta, Spirulina, Arthro spira, Spirogyra, etc., are of interest. Modern genetics throws light on the distribution but not on the origin of the character producing genes or factors. These units have in general long been in existence. It is to some such principle as the one suggested that we must look for evidence sufficiently definite to overcome the prejudice which has arisen against the old acquired character ideas as to the fundamental origin of characters. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.