Book Title: Jaina Biology
Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Page 294
________________ Evolution of Organic Lief in Jaina Biology 283 of muscles, thickness and color of the fur, and so on, are some of the structures that are involved in adaptation."25 Conversely, it is found in Jaina Biology that many of the animals inhabiting the same type of habitat (e. g. water) have developed ) similar structures which make them superficially alike, even though they may be but distantly related. For example, the dolphins and porpoises (siśumāras ) 26 (which are mammals), both bony and cartilagidous fishes, “have all evolved streamlined shapes, dorsal fins, tail fins and fliper like fore and hind limbs which make them look much alike. 27 Io Modern Biology “this evolution of similar structures by animals adapting to similar environments is known as convergent evolution."28 It is suggestive from the study of Jaina Biology that adaptations for survival are evident in the colour 28/a and pattern of plants and animals29 as well as in their structures and physiologic processes 30 The evolution and adaptation of each species as suggested by biologic interrelacion31 in Jaina Biology have not occurred in a biologic 25. Biology, p. 583. 26. Sūtrakrtānga II. 3. 57 (maccháņam java samsamāraṇam) Uttaradhyayana Sūtra 36. 172 ; Pannavaņā Sūtra 1. 67. 27. Biology, p. 583. 28. Biology, p 583. 28/a "Nimbamba Jambu ... Paläsa karamjeya" Pannavaņā 1. 40. 13 - four sensed beings Kiņhapattā nilapattá lohiyapattá haliddapattá sukkilapattā cittapakkā vicittapakkha etc. The adaptations of the four sensed beings such as, Andhiya (a kind of four sensed beings), pottiya (gnats ), makşikä (flies ), masaka, (mosquitos), patanga (grasshoppers ) etc. for survival are evident in the colour as is evidenced by the fact of the mention of others in the same class kinh patta, (four sensed beings having black-coloured wings), nilapattá (fonr sensed beings having blue coloured wings) etc. 29. "Eesim vannao ceva, gamdhao rasaphasao/ Samthànádesao vāvi, vihápăim sahasraso !/", Uttaradhyayana Sūtra 36.115, 116, 135, 144, 154. 169, 178. :93, 202. 30. See the second chapter and the fourth chapter for the plant structure and plant physisologic processes and animal (man's structure and physiologic processes respectively.) 31. See the first section of the second chapter "Biologic Interrelationship". Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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