The evolutionary role of gravity.
Analysis of the part played by gravity in development in the organic world shows that this factor has had an impact on evolution. All terrestrial organisms, including man, have adapted themselves to gravity by developing a number of important features of their composition and functions. Variations of gravitational field in any direction bring about numerous changes in organisms, ranging from metabolism to changes in more conservative systems which also include hereditary structures. Gravitational forces determine the form and the size of organisms, the development of skeletal supporting organs, and energetics. The study of the role of gravity in the variability of the organic world will be of great importance for long-term systems of life support and for work on space orbital stations or at bases on the moon and planets where gravitational forces may differ greatly those from on the earth.
Dubinin
N P
NP
Institute of General Genetics, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, USSR.
Vaulina
E N
EN
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D019521:Body Patterning; D006112:Gravitation; D018466:Gravity Sensing; D006801:Humans; D010944:Plants; D013026:Space Flight; D014893:Weightlessness