Tropical Nature, and Other EssaysSometimes referred to as 'the grand old man of science', Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) was a naturalist, evolutionary theorist, and friend of Charles Darwin. In this study of tropical flora and fauna, he takes the reader on a tour of the equatorial forest belt - the almost continuous band of forest that stretches around the world between the tropics. There, chameleon-like caterpillars alter the colours of their cocoons, parasitical trees override their hosts with spectacular aerial root systems, and some of the most pressing questions of Victorian evolutionary science arise: how do animals and plants come to be brightly coloured? Can their adaptations provide clues about past geological eras? And was Darwin wholly correct in his theory of sexual selection? First published in 1878, Wallace's book is a skilfully written reflection of contemporary naturalism, still highly readable and relevant to students in the history of science. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 22
Page 18
... the equatorial climate is essentially the same , and we have no reason to
believe that it materially differs in Guinea or the Congo . In certain localities ,
however , a more contrastéd wet and dry season prevails , with a somewhat
greater range ...
... the equatorial climate is essentially the same , and we have no reason to
believe that it materially differs in Guinea or the Congo . In certain localities ,
however , a more contrastéd wet and dry season prevails , with a somewhat
greater range ...
Page 61
Orchids are rare in the dense forests of the lowlands , and I believe it is now
tolerably well ascertained that the majority of the forest - trees in equatorial Brazil
have small and inconspicuous flowers . ” 1 My friend Dr. Richard Spruce assured
me ...
Orchids are rare in the dense forests of the lowlands , and I believe it is now
tolerably well ascertained that the majority of the forest - trees in equatorial Brazil
have small and inconspicuous flowers . ” 1 My friend Dr. Richard Spruce assured
me ...
Page 85
... on the surface , forming huge mounds sometimes thirty or forty yards in
circumference , and from one to three feet high . On first seeing these vast
deposits of red or yellow earth in the woods near Para , it was hardly possible to
believe they ...
... on the surface , forming huge mounds sometimes thirty or forty yards in
circumference , and from one to three feet high . On first seeing these vast
deposits of red or yellow earth in the woods near Para , it was hardly possible to
believe they ...
Page 196
There is also , I believe , a very important purpose and use of the varied colours
of the higher animals , in the facility it affords for recognition by the sexes or by
the young of the same species ; and it is this use which probably fixes and ...
There is also , I believe , a very important purpose and use of the varied colours
of the higher animals , in the facility it affords for recognition by the sexes or by
the young of the same species ; and it is this use which probably fixes and ...
Page 199
conscious sexual selection , that is , the actual choice by the females of the more
brilliantly - coloured males , I believe very little if any effect is directly due . It is
undoubtedly proved that in birds the females do sometimes exert a choice ; but
the ...
conscious sexual selection , that is , the actual choice by the females of the more
brilliantly - coloured males , I believe very little if any effect is directly due . It is
undoubtedly proved that in birds the females do sometimes exert a choice ; but
the ...
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
abundant adapted Africa allied America animals ants appear attract beautiful become believe birds blue butterflies causes changes character characteristic climate closely colour comparatively completely consider considerable conspicuous continent curious Darwin direct distinct distribution effect equally equatorial evidence existence extensive extreme fact families feet female fertilization flowers foliage forests fruits genera give greater green ground groups habits heat humming-birds important increase inhabit insects islands kinds known land larger leaves less light living male marked mass means nature North objects observed occur organic ornaments peculiar perhaps period plants possess present probably produced proportion protection rarely rays region relation remains remarkable resemble seems seen selection sometimes South species structure surface temperate temperature theory tints trees tropical types usually variation varied variety various vegetation whole wings yellow zone