REPRODUCTION

(Lat. reproduco, I reproduce.} This word, in Physiology, is sometimes used for generation; but it signifies properly the power which a fully developed organized being po e es to push forth and form anew parts of the body which have been cut off. Vegetables po e this faculty in an eminent degree, and animals have the power of reproduction in proportion as they resemble vegetables in the simplicity of their organization; thus the freshwater polype Hydra virid is, when divided into many pieces, reproduces all its characteristic organs out of each piece. Worms and other Ann elides can reproduce many segments of the body. Snails can push forth new horns, and reproduce even a great part of the head. Lobsters and spiders thus gain new claws or legs. Newts and lizards reproduce their tails. [s. 1058]