The Control of the Chromosomes by the Genotype and Its Bearing on some Evolutionary Problems

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Abstract
It is shown that in 12 different ways behavior of the chromosomes of an organism in the resting nucleus, mitosis and meiosis, is subject to control of the genotype. The chromosomes are therefore subject as a whole to variation in their parts. All variation in chromosome behavior is the result of either genotyplc or structural change. It is possible to examine the variation in terms of evolutionary theory, considering every detail in it as the product of an adaptive process. This point of view is important in considering the origin of meiosis, sexual dimorphism, and parthenogenesis. With the exception of polyploidy and ring-formation, the author concludes that where structural changes are concerned, adaptation of the chromosomes to their mechanical functions is subordinate to adaptation to their physiological functions.