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 18
Page 7
therefore conclude that other agencies are at work which often completely
neutralise the effect which increased altitude must undoubtedly exert . There is
another important difference between the temperate and tropical zones , in the
direct ...
therefore conclude that other agencies are at work which often completely
neutralise the effect which increased altitude must undoubtedly exert . There is
another important difference between the temperate and tropical zones , in the
direct ...
Page 34
... often a third undergrowth of small trees , from six to ten feet high , of dwarf
palms , of tree - ferns , and of gigantic herbaceous ferns . Coming to the surface
of the ground itself we find much variety . Sometimes it is completely bare , a
mass of ...
... often a third undergrowth of small trees , from six to ten feet high , of dwarf
palms , of tree - ferns , and of gigantic herbaceous ferns . Coming to the surface
of the ground itself we find much variety . Sometimes it is completely bare , a
mass of ...
Page 35
Its slender trunk , about fifteen or twenty feet high , was completely covered with
starshaped flowers , three inches across and of a rich orangered colour , making
the trees look as if they had been artificially decorated with brilliant garlands .
Its slender trunk , about fifteen or twenty feet high , was completely covered with
starshaped flowers , three inches across and of a rich orangered colour , making
the trees look as if they had been artificially decorated with brilliant garlands .
Page 58
... out roots and branches before falling into the muddy soil — a completely
formed plant . In some cases the root reaches the ground before the seed above
falls off . These trees greatly aid the formation of new land , as the mass of aerial
roots ...
... out roots and branches before falling into the muddy soil — a completely
formed plant . In some cases the root reaches the ground before the seed above
falls off . These trees greatly aid the formation of new land , as the mass of aerial
roots ...
Page 59
These are all natives of South America , but one species , Mimosa pudica , has
spread to Africa and Asia , so that sensitive - plants now abound as wayside
weeds in many parts both of the eastern and western tropics , sometimes
completely ...
These are all natives of South America , but one species , Mimosa pudica , has
spread to Africa and Asia , so that sensitive - plants now abound as wayside
weeds in many parts both of the eastern and western tropics , sometimes
completely ...
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
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 |