256 DEATH AND THE DURATION OF LIFE 



be evident that permitting the physically and mentally 

 unfit to reproduce their kind is a serious menace to the 

 race. Moreover, it is also true that the most perfect in- 

 dividuals of any species of animal or plant become in- 

 creasingly crippled and defective the longer they live; 

 and accordingly there is a pressing need for the develop- 

 ment of new and more vigorous offspring to take their 

 places. When these descendants have been produced, 

 and after they are cared for — if this is characteristic of 

 the species — the life work of the parents is at an end. 

 The interest of the race, invariably above that of the in- 

 dividual, is best served by the removal of the old and 

 decrepit. Death, therefore, is an advantage to the species. 

 Summary. — Death, which bears a close resemblance 

 to suspended animation, is the complete and permanent 

 stoppage of the vital functions. It occurs normally at a 

 time after the period of sexual maturity and the care of 

 the young has come to a close. Among the unicellular 

 organisms and the germ cells of multicellular species, 

 death is an accidental process. It merely affects the body 

 that encloses and nourishes the reproductive elements. 

 Death, therefore, is a benefit to the race in removing 

 individuals which otherwise would tend to crowd out the 

 more vigorous and useful offspring. 



