SEX IN LIVING FORMS 105 



which are destined, if placed under favorable condi- 

 tions, to become individuals like themselves. 



Partial Protection of the Ovum— There are some 

 exceptions, however, to this general rule among fishes 

 and reptiles. Even fishes manifest a degree of parental 

 solicitude in certain cases. The male of a species of 

 South American fish gathers up the eggs after fecunda- 

 tion has taken place, and carries them in his mouth 

 until they are hatched. Another male fish carries the 

 eggs of his mate in a little pouch upon the lower and 

 posterior part of his body. 



Certain species of frogs carry their eggs wound 

 about their legs; others suspend them from the abdo- 

 men. Another variety carries its young upon its back. 

 Professor Wyman describes a ''swamp toad" which 

 patiently takes the eggs of his mate, one by one, and 

 fastens them upon her back, observing great regularity 

 in arrangement. These several devices are evidently 

 for the purpose of protecting, in some degree, the 

 young individuals during the helpless stage of their 

 existence. 



The eggs of sharks, which are few in number, are 

 each provided with a horny covering and four filament- 

 ous attachments resembling the tendrils of a grape- 

 vine, by which they become entangled among the sea- 

 weeds, and are thus protected. 



The cuttlefish covers its eggs between the folds of 

 its queerly shaped body. 



Some species of fish gather their eggs together in 

 masses, and surround them by a protective covering. 

 A species of worm carries a whole colony of little ones 

 upon its back. Even the starfish protects its eggs 

 with its arms; and if they become scattered, gathers 

 them up. 

 7 



