Pelvic Filanients of Lepidosiren

Abstract

IN my article on “The Pelvic Fins of the Lepidosiren”¹ I attempted, (1) to outline the history of our knowledge of these structures; (2) to say why I considered them to be of use to the parent rather than to the offspring; (3) to point out why the experiments of Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Reid failed to convince me of the truth of the emissive hypothesis. Mr. Beadle is of the opinion that in addition I should have discussed the question of whether or not the amount of oxygen in the nest is or is not sufficient to meet the needs of the occupants. I did not do so for I consider the evidence at our disposal regarding the conditions in the nest and the requirements of its occupants so scanty as to make such discussion unprofitable.