ACQUIRED ADAPTATIONS 443 
or we might take a mountain species of buttercup (Fig. 302) 
which differs from near relatives of the lowlands in having a 
stunted, compact form well suited to alpine conditions and 
a rosette of leaves somewhat resembling those of our moun- 
Fic. 301.—Common Dandelion (Yarazricum officinale, Sunflower Family, 
Composite). P, plant as it grows in the lowlands, reduced in size. 
M, plant as it grows at high altitudes, reduced in the same proportion 
as P. M’, the same plant as M less reduced. (Bonnier.)—Native 
home, Europe; very common as a weed in America. 
tain form of dandelion. A peculiarity supposed to have 
arisen in response to some direct influence of the environ- 
ment is said to be acquired. If it be characteristic of a group 
it is called an acquired character, while in so far as it serves 
to fit the organism for the special conditions of its life it is 
an acquired adaptation. 
