PROTOPLASM 29 



tions intelligently, we must first know something of the structure 

 of the organs concerned in their performance. 



As soon as one understands structure in its relation to function 

 it becomes apparent that each organ is wonderfully fitted for its 

 particular work. This fitness of structure to function is called 

 adaptation, and is a very important topic in all biologic study. 

 Structure, function, and adaptation are the foundation stones of 

 our subject and will always be presented hi the order here named. 

 We shall study both plants and animals with 'the idea of learning 

 how their structure adapts them for the functions which both 

 have in common and shall begin with plants, because, while their 

 functions are similar to those characteristic of animals, their 

 structure is much simpler. The following functions are common 

 to both plants and animals: 



Food getting Excretion 



Digestion Motion 



Absorption Sensation 



Assimilation Reproduction 

 Respiration 



We know already the names of the principal organs of a plant 

 the root, stem, leaves, flower, fruit, and seed and understand, in 

 some measure the functions performed by each. We must also 

 remember the varied surroundings of the plant, the kind of soil, 

 amount of moisture, temperature, insect enemies, and all that goes 

 to make up its conditions of life (environment). In our study we 

 shall start, as the plant starts, with the seed. Then we will follow 

 an account of its growth, and the development, structure, and 

 use of the different plant parts mentioned above. 



COLLATERAL READING 



General Biology, Sedgwick and Wilson, pp. 20-32; Applied Biology, 

 Bigelow, pp. 39-44; Elementary Biology, Peabody and Hunt, pp. 29-32; 

 Essentials of Biology, Hunter, pp. 31-33; Botany for Schools, Atkinson, 

 pp. 33-36; Botany of Crop Plants, Robbins, pp. 4-9; Fundamentals of 

 Botany, Gager, pp. 14-20; Plant Anatomy, Stevens, 1-10; Plant Physi- 



