The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

RELATIONS OF ORGANISMS. 185By a line of inference exactly similar, a likeconclusiolz must be reached as to insect life.For, important as the observations are, bearingon the transference of pollen from theplace where it is generated to the place whereit is wanted, we must notice that the wholework is done in consequence of search forhoney by flies, moths, ants, wasps, and bees.It naturally follows that all these insects havebeen going through some measure of adaptation,as well as the plants. The same lawmust have been operating in their historywhile prosecuting the unceasing search forfood. It may be exceedingly difficult to fillup the line of progress, or trace the causes inoperation, which could favor the conclusionthat all the insects named have sprung f?oma common stock. Still more perplexing mightit be to maintain the argument that these veryinsects have sprung according to a sure lawof descent, from vegetable life itself. Butthere is ample evidence to warrant the inferencethat in length of proboscis, formationof limbs, and other features in their structure,modifications have resulted from thestruggle needful to reach the nectar secretedin the flowers.