The Analysis of the Relative Growth Gradients and Changing Form of Growing Organisms: Illustrated by the Tobacco Leaf

TH E size and shape of plants and animals distinguish them from each other, and from these differences derives much. of classification, comparative biology and even the recognition of individuals. Some organisms-attain the proportions of the adult configuration early, others change slowly from the infantile pattern into the adult form. Claws, antlers, or other parts may grow larger and out of proportion to the rest of the body. Regressioll ill form often denotes the effect of an adverse environment and senility involves change of form as well as function. The analysis of the form changes is essential to an understanding of the growth of organisms. This paper presents a method for this analysis which relates the transformed coordinate method with the allometric expression of growth gradients.