Ease Of Observation Research Articles

“THE NEW SYNANTHEROLOGY” — A CASE IN POINT FOR POINTS OF VIEW

We should like to extend our compliments to the authors of an article which recently appeared on the pages of this journal (The New Synantherology. R. M. King and H. Robinson. Taxon 19(1): 6-11). Had we not been adequately informed by these authors, we might never have known that the standard approaches to plant systematics are passe and not to be trusted. Indeed, we now eye with suspicion recent revisional work which was based solely on such bankrupt techniques as morphology, palynology, cytology and biochemistry. As you might suspect, our compliments come tongue-in-cheek. Far from convincing us that the compound microscope is the new-found panacea for all those who would research the Compositae, Messrs. King and Robinson seem to reveal a vast lacuna in their own knowledge of modern systematics. This is particularly apparent in their analysis of the methods presently used in the study of the Compositae. First, morphology is the proven backbone of all practical plant taxonomy (with the possible exception of certain so-called lower plants). We have not noticed that the prevailing opinion seems to reject morphological Nor can we accept their statement that morphology been just successful enough... to allow the perpetuation of the method into modern times. On the contrary, morphology has been perhaps the most successful single research tool of all the approaches. We ought rather to accept as exceptions the times when this approach is misleading. Probably no other research approach presents as much information to the taxonomist with such ease of observation. It is, therefore, not surprising to find that other approaches seem to be pursued with the intent of supporting and corroborating with general morphology. Second, it seems strange to us that while discussing palynology, the authors do not happen to mention recent developments which are the result of the use of the scanning-electron microscope. This is particularly disturbing because the authors, in their efforts to champion the cause of microcharacters, have completely ignored the one tool which would greatly improve their own approach. Presumably anyone knowledgeable enough to editorialize on the new synantherology would be acutely aware of the potential of this relatively simple approach. Third, cytology is far from old hat regardless of who said so. It also involves more than chromosome counting and has proven extremely useful in the study of apomictic complexes. Furthermore, ultra-structure is not without taxonomic significance although it is seldom studied with the sole purpose of elucidating taxonomic relationships. Even so, chromosome counts have greatly aided the taxonomist and are manifestly not, in the words of King and Robinson, yielding few practical results. Authorities in this field have these much more plausible words which appeared concurrently with King and Robinson's article. ... No 'bandwagon' in the evolutionary field has ever been more active or shown vitality so great. (Love and Love, 1970).

Sex and Susceptibility

Susceptibility to viral infection is not only influecned by age but by sex as well. In the human, these inter-related factors are difficult to evaluate. We have developed a test system in adult mice, however, which does allow ease of observation and control over 1 or the other of these 2 variables. A significant difference in death rate has been found between mature, male and female animals infected with a virulent strain of Coxsackie B1 virus. This difference in susceptibility could be related to hormonal effects. To test this hypothesis, mice gonadectomized at birth were infected as mature animals with the test virus. Results are summarized below.Neonatal gonadectomy and the consequence hormonal changes did not exert an apparent effect on the response of the female to the infecting virus, whereas the adverse effect of maleness was negated by this procedure. The premise relating differences in susceptibility to hormone effects, therefore, is partially true. The increased susceptibility of the male is a sex-related characteristic.

The Natural History of the Fox Squirrel, Sciurus niger shermani

Joseph Curtis Moore. The Natural History of the Fox Squirrel, Sciurus niger shermani. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., vol. 113, art. 1, pp. 1–72, 7 figs., 3 pl. August 26, 1957. Price, $1.50. The fox squirrel, because of its abundance, ease of observation, importance as a game animal and general biological significance, has been a favorite subject of many investigators. No detailed study, however, has been made of the ecology of this large race of the southeastern coastal plain and the reader will learn that in several particulars this Florida population differs markedly from its counterparts elsewhere. This is a shy, rare creature of the northern Florida sand hills. Its foods are largely pine seeds and acorns; its chief enemies are the bald eagle, the red-tailed hawk and, particularly, man and his dog. Its original home, presumably, was in the open stands of large longleaf pines; but the increasing human population, with the resulting elimination (by axe, saw and fire) of much of the natural wilderness and its replacement by turkey-oak forests, forced the squirrel to adapt to changed conditions. This it has done with moderate success …

HIGH TEMPERATURE TESTING FURNACE1

A surface combustion furnace lined with alundum and fed by seven burners supplied from a mixture box in which an explosive mix. Of gas and air is made by a special inspirator melts down cone 36 in one hour using 156 cu. Ft. of city gas. The max. temp., 3400°F, attained is within 200°F, of the theoretical max. Advantages claimed are: Simplicity, low fuel consumption, ease of observation and measuring temperatures and ability to produce either neutral, reducing or oxidizing atmosphere.