Jaina Biology

SR No.: 001543
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Total Pages: 340
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, Biology, & Philosophy
File Size: 19 MB

Page 334

Conclusion
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as explained by modern Biology.217 The outcome of evolution is a population of organisms, a species, adapted to survive in certain type of "environment”. 218
Although a clear cut idea of the outcome of evolution of plants and animals is not found in Jaina Biology, lievertheless, it has been noted, while studying the characteristics of living substances” that each particular species or plant or animals has the ability to become adapted by seeking out an environment in which it is suited to make it better fitted to its present surrounding.219
It is suggestive that in course of time organisms have become adapted and readapted 220 many times as their environment changed or as they migrated to a new environment.221
The analysis of the topics “The knowledge of food of organisms'222 the types of plants and classification of animals223 and their habitats,224 etc., as recorded in the Jaina Āgamas, reveals that there is a tendency for each group of organisms to spread out225 and occupy as many different habitats as they can reach and which will support them 226 because of the struggle for food and living space 227
The classification of animals by the Jaidācāryas into Sthalacara (terrestrial), Jalacara (acqatic) and Khecara or Nabhacara (aerial) animals throws light upo their habitats and ecology to which they could grow and adapt, and make themselves better fitted in their survival.228
217. Biology p. 570; Pannavanā 1, 61-91. 218. Biol gy, p. 570. 219. It is indicated by the Characteristics of Jiving substances and their cell
st ucture ind functions. 220. Sūtra kr ānga II. 3; Bharavati 7 5 275 ; Panna vana, Thānapayam ; Jivabhigama.
1. 34-6; Tarkarahasyadipikā, v. 9, Jainamatam, Țikā by Gunaratna. 22). Ibid. 222. Sūtrakstanga II. 3. 223. For types of plants. classification of Animals see Pannavanā, Jiva pannavanā;
Uttarādhyanaya Sütra 3n, etc. 224. Pannavana Sūtra; Thanapayam ; Sūtrakrtanga II. 3 225. Trasa Jivas (motiie animals always move for food and shelter. 226. Sūtrakrtānga II. 3.' All motile animals do so for food and space. 227. Ibid. 228. Sūt akstānga 11. 3.