GENETIC ASSIMILATION OF AN ACQUIRED CHARACTER

摘要: Under the influence of natural selection, development tends to become canalised so that more or less normal organs and tissues are produced even in face slight abnormalities genotype external environment (Waddington, 1940). It has been suggested if an animal is subjected unusual circumstances which it can react adaptive manner, character might itself far continued appear when conditions returned previous norm 1942). This mechanism would provide a means by "acquired character" conventional sense could be "assimilated" genotype, eventually comparatively independent any specific environmental influence. Schmalhausen (1947) independently very similar process, he discussed at some length under name "stabilising selection"; phrase which, however, uses number different senses, as Simpson pointed out. The purpose present communication describe experiment this hypothesis was tested shown operate expected. A preliminary account work published Waddington (1952a). laborious classifying large numbers individuals involved carried out my technical assistant, Miss Evelyn Paton, whose care devotion I should like pay tribute.