Views in the 1930s
As background for later developments, this chapter will describe some of the reigning views from the latter 1930s concerning cells, membranes, proteins, and metabolic systems. A brief account of some of the methods then available is also included.
Some Pliocene Fishes from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska
served in dead specimens are the series of bright blue streaks on the scaleless portions of the dorsal and dorsolateral surfaces, the white anterior edge of the first dorsal fin, the silvery tongue, and the dark vertical bands on the dorsolateral surfaces, the latter seen only in feeding skipjack. The two size groups schooled together. School disruption occurred only during feeding. The fish swam with their mouths constantly agape. They were never observed to stop swimming. No rheotaxis was demonstrated.
Use of laser scanning confocal microscopy for morphological taxonomy and the potential for digital type specimens (e-types)
The use of laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) for creating taxonomic descriptions of copepods is investigated. A new technique is described, which employs a contour filter to process digital LSCM images, allowing taxonomic information to be quickly and accu- rately distilled into a simple illustration. LSCM allows the imaging of whole specimens, which can be rotated and viewed from any angle—a major benefit over light microscopy. Using this tech- nique, it is suggested that taxonomic descriptions can be rapidly produced in a fraction of the time required to produce similar descriptions using traditional light microscopy and hand drawing techniques. Good staining of specimens is, however, essential to produce accurate descriptions and more research is required in this area. The use of LSCM for morphological taxonomy shows great potential, not only for producing taxonomic descriptions, but also providing a comple - mentary adjunct to traditional type specimens in the form of 3D digital 'e-types' deposited in recognised international databases.