ISSN:
1420-9071
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Since the first description of the halteres in Diptera byDerham (1711) six different theories have been formed about the function of these organs:—(1) equilibration, (2) steering, (3) sound production, (4) hearing, (5) smelling, (6) respiration. In 1916 and 1919, following v.Uexküll, v.Buddenbrock showed by careful considerations and experiments that the haltere problem is above all a problem of nerve physiology. Consequently the halteres are organs stimulating the production of potential nervous energy for wings and legs. This theory is the best explanation of the well-known experimental finding: after extirpation or fixation of the halteres many Diptera are unable to fly at all, or at least to fly well, and part of them are unable to run well. Fraenkel andPringle (1938) andMelin (1941) rejected the stimulation theory.Fraenkel andPringle think the halteres are gyroscopes, that is, organs of equilibrium, but without experimentally proving their theory.Melin agrees with v.Buddenbrock that the haltere problem is a problem of nervous physiology, but he denies the stimulative effect of the halteres.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02172507
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