Vol. XXIXI McAtee. Recognition Marks. 



227 



avoid, misinterpretation we quote a mature expression of the 

 theory by its originator and chief developer, Dr. A. R. Wallaee.i 



"If we consider the habits and hfe-histories of those animals 

 which are more or less gregarious, comprising a large proportion 

 of the herbivora, some carnivora, and a considerable number of all 

 orders of birds, we shall see that a means of ready recognition of 

 its own kind, at distance or during rapid motion, in the dark or 

 twilight or in partial cover, must be of the greatest advantage and 

 often lead to the preservation of life Some means of easy recog- 

 nition must be of vital importance to the young and inexperienced 

 of each flock, and it also enables the sexes to recognize their kind 

 and thus avoid the evils of infertile crosses; and I am mclmed to 

 believe that its necessity has had a more widespread influence m 

 determining the diversities of animal coloration than any other 

 cause whatever." (p. 217.) ^ . . . i j ^ . 



A weighty objection to this hypothesis, as it is indeed to most 

 hypotheses coming under the theory of natural selection is that 

 the need of a certain color, or form, or other detail of ammal 

 anatomy either internal or external, can in no wise be advanced 

 as a cause of the development of something to satisfy this need. 

 In the words of D. O'Phace, Esq.— 



" Some flossifers think that a fakkilty's granted 

 The minute it's proved to be thoroughly wanted." 



This point need not be labored, for it is evident that all species 

 have needs that have not been satisfied. On the other hand most 

 species have developed characters that are in no way useful; 

 ndeed this is sometimes carried to such a degree that the character 

 becomes a handicap. These things are not called forth by neces- 

 sity what reason is there to believe therefore that the particular 

 characters known as "recognition marks" have risen m response 

 to a definite need? 



Continuing the quotation from Wallace: 



"Among birds, these recognition marks are especially numerous 

 and suggestive. Species which inhabit open districts are usually 

 protectively coloured; but they generaUy possess some distinctive 

 markings for the purpose of being easily recognized by their kind, 



I Darwinism, 1896. 



