An Ecological Survey, as a Means of Obtaining a Background for Certain Morphological Problems

The dissection of a specimen in the laboratory needs to be supplemented by a stimulating and enriching background gained in the field. Structure is to a greater or less degree associated with function, and, disregarding the disputed effect of environment upon heredity, changes in environment can modify the functioning of somatic structures in the lifetime of a single individual. Furthermore, a morphologist, who supplements his laboratory work with ecological observation, has the pleasure of seeing in action the structures with which he works, gains the perspective which his problem should have with other problems, and discovers further channels for research in his chosen field