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The Seventh Lesson: Cosmic Evolution.815
Ascending in the scale, we next find the living forms composed of cellgroups.
These cell-groups are formed by single cells dividing, and then
subdividing, but instead of passing on their way they group themselves in
clusters, or masses. There are millions of forms of these cell-group creatures,
among which we find the sponges, polyps, etc.
In the early forms of life it is difficult to distinguish between the animal
and the plant forms, in fact the early forms partake of the qualities of both.
But as we advance in the scale a little there is seen a decided “branching out,”
and one large branch is formed of the evolving plant forms, and the other of
the evolving animal forms. The plant-branch begins with the sea-weeds, and
passes on to the fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns, pines and palm-ferns, grasses,
etc., then to the trees, shrubs and herbs. The animal-branch begins with the
monera, or single-cell forms, which are little more than a drop of sticky, gluelike
protoplasm. Then it passes on to the amoebae, which begins to show
a slight difference in its parts. Then on the foraminifera, which secretes a
shell of lime from the water. Then on a step higher to the polycystina, which
secretes a shell, or skeleton of flint-like material from the water. Then come
the sponges. Then the coral-animals, anemones and jelly-fish. Then come
the sea-lilies, star-fish, etc. Then the various families of worms. Then the
crabs, spiders, centipedes, insects. Then come the mollusca, which include
the oysters, clams and other shell-fish; snails, cuttle-fish, sea-squirts, etc. All
of the above families of animal-forms are what are known as “invertebrates,”
that is, without a backbone.
Then we come to the “vertebrates,” or animals having a backbone. First
we see the fish family with its thousands of forms. Then come the amphibia,
which include the toads, frogs, etc. Then come the reptiles, which include
the serpents, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, etc. Then come the great family of
birds, with its wonderful variety of forms, sizes, and characteristics. Then
come the mammals, the name of which comes from the Latin word meaning
“the breast,” the characteristic of which group comes from the fact that they