Author
Thomas Hunt Morgan
1866-1945
Thomas Hunt Morgan (1866-1945) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Thomas Hunt Morgan
Sex-linked Inheritance in Drosophila
"Sex-linked Inheritance in Drosophila" by Thomas Hunt Morgan and Calvin B. Bridges is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into genetics, focusing specifically on the principles of sex-linked inheritance as observed in the fruit fly, "Drosophila ampelophila". The book offers a detailed exploration of Mendelian inheritance, linkage, crossing-over, and the implications of mutations on inheritance patterns. The opening of this publication introduces fundamental concepts of genetics, particularly Mendel's law of segregation and the nature of sex-linked inheritance. It explains how traits are passed through generations via sex chromosomes and describes the mechanics of how certain genetic traits are linked, creating specific inheritance patterns. Additionally, the authors discuss various types of genetic mutations that have been observed in "Drosophila", highlighting the importance of this model organism in understanding broader genetic principles. Overall, the beginning sets a solid foundation for the intricate genetic analyses presented throughout the work.
A Critique of the Theory of Evolution
"A Critique of the Theory of Evolution" by Thomas Hunt Morgan is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work encompasses a series of lectures that provide an in-depth examination of evolutionary theory, focusing on evidence from various biological fields, including genetics, comparative anatomy, and paleontology. Morgan discusses both traditional views on evolution and newer evidence to critically assess the validity and foundations of evolutionary theory. The opening of the book introduces its purpose, which is to critically reevaluate the evidence supporting the classical understanding of evolution in light of recent advancements in the field. Morgan notes the confusion surrounding the term "evolution," highlighting its application across diverse contexts—from celestial bodies to biological species and human inventions. He outlines the central themes of his lectures, including a focus on the traditional evidence of evolution, the implications of Mendel’s discoveries on heredity, and the physical basis of heredity, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of how evolutionary mechanisms might operate under contemporary scientific understanding.
Regeneration
"Regeneration" by Thomas Hunt Morgan is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the biological concept of regeneration across various organisms, examining both the mechanisms and implications of the ability of certain species to regenerate lost parts. Morgan, a prominent biologist, delves into the historical context of regeneration studies and critiques existing hypotheses, providing insights from experimental embryology and presenting new conclusions based on recent discoveries in the field. The opening of the work introduces the topic of regeneration through a historical lens, recounting early experiments by naturalists such as Abbé Trembley and Spallanzani, who notably observed the regeneration capabilities of hydras and earthworms, respectively. Morgan describes how these early studies generated interest in the phenomenon and set the stage for later research. He notes that regeneration is not only a fascinating biological process but is also influenced by environmental factors like temperature and food supply. Morgan emphasizes that understanding regeneration is crucial for comprehending broader biological principles and sets the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the internal mechanisms and external influences that contribute to regeneration in various species.
Evolution and Adaptation
"Evolution and Adaptation" by Thomas Hunt Morgan is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the complex relationship between organisms and their environment, focusing on the adaptations of both animals and plants. Morgan discusses various aspects of biological thought, particularly the ongoing debates around evolution and adaptation, shedding light on how these concepts have been understood and interpreted within the scientific community. The opening of the work discusses the long-standing interest in and significance of the adaptations of organisms to their environments. Morgan poses fundamental questions about the origins of these adaptations, suggesting that they may not solely arise from Darwinian natural selection. He emphasizes the need for speculative thought and a re-examination of adaptation, indicating that while many questions remain unresolved, the exploration of these themes is critical for advancing biological research. Through examples and philosophical reflections, the text builds a foundation for a comprehensive dialogue about evolution and adaptation that will unfold in subsequent chapters.
The genetic and the operative evidence relating to secondary sexual characters
"The Genetic and the Operative Evidence Relating to Secondary Sexual Characters" by T.H. Morgan is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the genetic and physiological aspects of secondary sexual characteristics in birds, particularly focusing on the Sebright bantam and other fowl as subjects for analysis. It covers various experiments and findings related to plumage differences between hen-feathered and cock-feathered males, exploring how these traits are influenced by factors such as heredity and endocrine signaling. The opening of the book sets the stage for an in-depth study of the genetic mechanisms at play in determining secondary sexual characteristics. It begins with a discussion of the existence of two male types within certain poultry breeds and introduces the author's experimentation with castrating hen-feathered Sebrights to observe changes in plumage. Morgan recounts his observations regarding the physical alterations in feathering post-operation, revealing insights into the relationship between the gonads and plumage expression. This portion establishes not only the methodology and initial findings but also hints at the broader implications for understanding sexual differentiation in birds.
Some possible bearings of genetics on pathology
"Some Possible Bearings of Genetics on Pathology" by Thomas Hunt Morgan is a scientific publication based on a lecture delivered before the New York Pathological Society in the early 20th century, specifically in the year 1922. The book explores the intersections between the fields of genetics and pathology, particularly focusing on how genetic principles can help understand hereditary diseases and defects. Morgan, a prominent geneticist, presents his findings on inheritance patterns and the significance of genetic research in the understanding of various medical conditions. In this work, Morgan discusses how Mendelian genetics provides insights into the inheritance of traits, both normal and abnormal, utilizing examples from animal studies and human pathology. He emphasizes that the study of genetic inheritance extends beyond simply focusing on defects to include understanding the normal variations in traits. The book addresses various forms of inheritance, such as dominant and recessive traits, and provides illustrations through cross-breeding experiments using model organisms. Morgan also touches on the implications of these genetic principles for human disorders like color blindness, hemophilia, and even feeblemindedness while cautioning against drawing definitive conclusions from limited data. Overall, the publication serves as an important early exploration of how genetics can inform medical science, laying the groundwork for future interdisciplinary studies.