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. |
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Page viii
... questions as to the past history of the earth , that the present inquiry may be
considered a necessary preliminary to a study of the problem - how to determine
the climates of geologic periods from the character of their organic remains .
... questions as to the past history of the earth , that the present inquiry may be
considered a necessary preliminary to a study of the problem - how to determine
the climates of geologic periods from the character of their organic remains .
Page 22
For the next quarter of an hour this changes very little in character ; when ,
suddenly , the sun's rim appears above the horizon , decking the dew - laden
foliage with glittering gems , sending gleams of golden light far into the woods ,
and ...
For the next quarter of an hour this changes very little in character ; when ,
suddenly , the sun's rim appears above the horizon , decking the dew - laden
foliage with glittering gems , sending gleams of golden light far into the woods ,
and ...
Page 32
The accompanying outline sections of one of these trees that was cut down ,
exhibits its character . It was a noble 2 1 3 Sections of trunk of a Bornean Forest -
tree . 1. Section at seven feet from the ground . 2. 3. Sections much higher up .
forest ...
The accompanying outline sections of one of these trees that was cut down ,
exhibits its character . It was a noble 2 1 3 Sections of trunk of a Bornean Forest -
tree . 1. Section at seven feet from the ground . 2. 3. Sections much higher up .
forest ...
Page 39
... are always more or less present , though in some parts scarce and in others in
great profusion , and which largely aid in giving a special character to tropical as
distinguished from temperate vegetation : Such are USES OF CLIMBERS . 39.
... are always more or less present , though in some parts scarce and in others in
great profusion , and which largely aid in giving a special character to tropical as
distinguished from temperate vegetation : Such are USES OF CLIMBERS . 39.
Page 65
... by a much larger proportion of them , of so valuable a character as bright -
coloured flowers , this being almost a necessary preliminary to a participation in
the benefits which have been proved to arise from crossfertilization by insect
agency .
... by a much larger proportion of them , of so valuable a character as bright -
coloured flowers , this being almost a necessary preliminary to a participation in
the benefits which have been proved to arise from crossfertilization by insect
agency .
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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
Bibliographic information
| Title | Tropical Nature, and Other Essays Marilee E. Thomas and Robert C. Thomas Science and Related Subjects Collection |
| Author | Alfred Russel Wallace |
| Publisher | Macmillan and Company, 1878 |
| Original from | the University of Michigan |
| Digitized | 23 veeb. 2009 |
| Length | 356 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |