Natural Science, Vol. 3 : A Monthly Review of Scientific Progress (Classic Reprint)

Fresh insights in biology and natural history .

From how fish use smell to track food, to how the thyroid gland may influence metabolism and heat, this issue pairs experimental observations with thoughtful discussion. It also surveys the flora of French Polynesia, highlighting climate, vegetation, and the patterns that shape island ecosystems.

The featured fish studies show that some sight-feeders can be guided by smell, and that hungry conditions can push fish to rely on scent even when sight seems decisive. The text describes carefully observed behaviors in dabs and other species, using tanks and controlled stimuli to distinguish sight from smell in feeding.

In notes on the thyroid gland, readers learn about its potential roles beyond secreting hormones, including possible links to heat regulation and overall metabolism. The discussion hints at the evolutionary changes of organ function and the value of collaboration between morphologists and physiologists.

• Careful experiments that separate sight and smell in fish feeding behavior
• Discussion of the thyroid gland’s broader role in the body’s economy
• A detailed survey of French Polynesia’s flora, climate, and vegetation
• Observations on island ecosystems and plant adaptations

Ideal for readers who enjoy surveys of how science tests natural phenomena and interprets life across plants and animals.