The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, (e-book) (used book) | bookbook.eu

Description

Fishes: Courtship and battles of the males-Larger size of the females-Males, bright colours and ornamental appendages; other strange characters-Colours and appendages acquired by the males during the breeding-season alone-Fishes with both sexes brilliantly coloured-Protective colours-The less conspicuous colours of the female cannot be accounted for on the principle of protection-Male fishes building nests, and taking charge of the ova and young. Amphibians: Differences in structure and colour between the sexes-Vocal organs. Reptiles: Chelonians-Crocodiles-Snakes, colours in some cases protective-Lizards, battles of-Ornamental appendages- Strange differences in structure between the sexes-Colours-Sexual differences almost as great as with birds. We have now arrived at the great sub-kingdom of the Vertebrata, and will commence with the lowest class, namely Fishes. The males of Plagiostomous fishes (sharks, rays) and of Chimæroid fishes are provided with claspers which serve to retain the female, like the various structures possessed by so many of the lower animals. Besides the claspers, the males of many rays have clusters of strong sharp spines on their heads, and several rows along "the upper outer surface of their pectoral fins." These are present in the males of some species, which have the other parts of their bodies smooth. They are only temporarily developed during the breeding-season; and Dr. Günther suspects that they are brought into action as prehensile organs by the doubling inwards and downwards of the two sides of the body. It is a remarkable fact that the females and not the males of some species, as of Raia clavata, have their backs studded with large hook-formed spines.