THE 



AMERICAN NATURALIST. 



Vol. XXXVII. November, iqoj. No. 443. 



ADAPTATIONS TO AQUATIC, ARBOREAL, FOS- 

 SORIAL AND CURSORIAL HABITS 

 IN MAMMALS. 



II. Arboreal Adaptations. 



LOUIS I. DUBLIN. 



In the struggle for existence it is apparent that single forms 

 and whole groups of forms would independently become modified 

 to a life off the ground. Very often only by such an adaptation 

 could small defenseless animals save themselves from the attacks 

 of larger and speedier carnivores. In addition, there is the ques- 

 tion of food. The larger animals to whom the bulk of terres- 

 trial food naturally goes are virtually absent from the trees. 

 We accordingly find a multitude of animals that have made this 

 region their abode where, freed from their enemies and with an 

 abundance of food they have prospered. 



