On the rare Abyssal Octopod Melanoteuthis beebei (sp. n.): a Contribution to the Phytogeny of the Octopoda.

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Abstract
Summary: The abyssal Octopod Xelanoteubhis beebei from the Eastern Pacific is a new species differing in several important featnres from 111. lzcceias (N. Atlantic), the only other speeies of the genus. It possesses certain characters not found in the Octopoda but characteristic of the Decapodn; and i t also displays certain features which ally it with the Cirrate and Iiicirrate Octopods. Melwnoteuthis (and probably the other members of the Vampyromorphze) is the most primitive Octopod. Though referable to the Octopoda, it exhibik very clearly‐marker1 affinity with the Decapoda and can be associated with neither the Cirromorphn nor the, Incirrate Octopods. It is propxed to subdivide the Octopodn. into three suborders ‐the Vampyrornorphn, Cirromorpha, and Tnciri. ata, whicli seem to represent three markedly divergent evolutionary tendencies. The structure of Melanotetcthis renders it highly probable that the Octopoda diverged from the Decqoda after the latter had acquired pedunculate suckers and a funnel‐valve, but before t h e central nervous system underwent condensation and (See footnote, p. 469.)

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