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the structure of the embryo is even more important for classification than that of the adult. ↑ In two groups of animal, however much they may at present differ from each other in structure and habits, if they pass through the same or similar embryonic stages, we may feel almost assured that they have descended from the same parent-form, and are therefore in that degree closely related. Thus, community in embryonic structure reveals community of descent; but dissimilarity in embryonic development does not prove discommunity of descent, for in one of two groups all the developmental stages may have been suppressed, or may have been so greatly modified as no longer to be recognised, through adaptations, during the earlier periods of growth, to new habits of life. ↑ Community of descent will, however, often be revealed, although the structure of the adult may have been greatly modified and thus obscured; we have seen, for instance, that cirripedes though externally so like shellfish, can at once be recognised by their larvæ as belonging to the great class of crustaceans. As the embryonic state of each species and group of species shows us more or less completely the structure of their less modified ancient progenitors, we can clearly see why ancient and extinct forms of life should resemble the embryos of our existing species, their descendants. Agassiz believes this to be a law of nature; but I am bound to confess that I only hope to see the law hereafter proved true. It can be proved true in those cases alone in which the ancient state, now supposed to be represented in existing embryos, has .. been obliterated neither by the successive variations in a long course of modification having super- vened at a very early period of growth, nor by the variations having been inherited at an earlier period than that at which they first appeared. It should also be borne in mind, that the supposed law of resemblance of ancient forms of life to the embryonic stages of recent forms, may be true, but yet, owing to the geological record not extending
the structure of the embryo is even more important for classification than that of the adult. ↑ In two or more groups of animals, however much they may .. differ from each other in structure and habits, if they pass through closely similar embryonic stages, we may feel assured that they all are descended from one parent-form, and are therefore ... closely related. Thus, community in embryonic structure reveals community of descent; but dissimilarity in embryonic development does not prove discommunity of descent, for in one of two groups the developmental stages may have been suppressed, or may have been so greatly modified through adaptation to new habits of life, as to be no longer recognisable. Even in groups, in which the adults .. have been modified to an extreme degree, community of origin is often revealed by the structure of the larvæ; we have seen, for instance, that cirripedes, though externally so like shell-fish, are at once known by their larvæ to belong to the great class of crustaceans. As the structure of the embryo generally shows us more or less plainly the structure of its less modified and ancient progenitor, we can .. see why ancient and extinct forms so often resemble the embryos of ... existing species in the same class. Agassiz believes this to be a universal law of nature; and I hope to see it hereafter shown in most cases true. It can, however, be proved true only in those cases .. in which the ancient state ... has not been wholly obliterated either by .. successive variations ... having supervened at a very early period of growth, or by such variations having been inherited at an earlier period than that at which they first appeared. It should also be borne in mind, that the .. law may be true, but yet, owing to the ... geological record not extending