GLOSSARY. 497 



and apparently without cause, and which is more or less 

 abnormal to the type of the species. (Page 33.) 



Stimulus (plural, stimuli). In natural history writings, used 

 to designate the particular active agents which produce 

 definite changes in the organism ; for example, abundant 

 moisture may be a stimulus to variation in plants. 



Taxonomic. Pertaining to taxonomy, or the science of classi 

 fication. A character which has taxonomic value, is one 

 which may be readily used in classifying the organism of 

 which it is a part. (Page 134 note.) 



Teleology. The doctrine of final causes. In evolution writings, 

 the theory of adaptation to purpose or design, of tendency 

 to a pre-ordained end. On the question of purposiveness in 

 the creation, the evolutionist may or may not have an opin- 

 ion ; but on the question of purposive design in the details, 

 his opinion is on the negative. 



Unspecialized. Generalized 



Variation. Modification or change in any organism. De- ' 

 parture from the normal type. Red flowers upon a nor- 

 mally white-flowered plant, unusually large leaves, or tal' 

 stature, are examples of variation. 



Varietal difference. A formula proposed by the writer to 

 express the fact that unlike constitutions — or varying abili- 

 ties to withstand untoward circumstances — may be charac- 

 teristic of horticultural varieties. (Page 336.) 



Variety. A form or series of forms which, for purposes of 

 classification, are of less weight or importance than species. 

 The common conception of a variety is a form which it is 

 difficult to distinguish from a species, and which grades or 

 varies into it. 



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