On Whales, Past and Present, and their Probable Origin ¹

Abstract

II. THOUGH the early stages by which whalebone has been modified from more simple palate structures are entirely lost to our sight, probably forever, the conditions in which it now exists in different species of whales, show very marked varieties of progress, from a simple comparatively rudimental and imperfect condition, to what is perhaps the most wonderful example of mechanical adaptation to purpose known in any organic structure. These variations are worth dwelling upon for a few minutes, as they illustrate in an excellent manner the gradual modifications that may take place in an organ, evidently in adaptation to particular requirements, the causation of which can be perfectly explained upon Darwin's principle of natural selection.