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 37
Page 23
The absence of distinct horizontal shadows at noon which thus characterises a
considerable part of the year , is itself a striking phenomenon to an inhabitant of
the temperate zones ; and equally striking is the changed aspect of the starry ...
The absence of distinct horizontal shadows at noon which thus characterises a
considerable part of the year , is itself a striking phenomenon to an inhabitant of
the temperate zones ; and equally striking is the changed aspect of the starry ...
Page 31
... tree an extended base , and so assist the subterranean roots in maintaining in
an erect position so lofty a column crowned by a broad and massive head of
branches and foliage . The buttressed trees belong to a variety of distinct groups .
... tree an extended base , and so assist the subterranean roots in maintaining in
an erect position so lofty a column crowned by a broad and massive head of
branches and foliage . The buttressed trees belong to a variety of distinct groups .
Page 45
Oils for various other purposes are made from several distinct palms , while wax
is secreted from the leaves of some South American species ; the resin called
dragon's - blood is the product of one of the rattan palms ; while the fruit of the
Areca ...
Oils for various other purposes are made from several distinct palms , while wax
is secreted from the leaves of some South American species ; the resin called
dragon's - blood is the product of one of the rattan palms ; while the fruit of the
Areca ...
Page 53
Owing to its hollowness , the hardness of the external skin , " and the existence of
the joints and partitions , it is wonderfully strong in proportion to its weight . It can
be found of many distinct sizes and proportions ; light or heavy , long or short ...
Owing to its hollowness , the hardness of the external skin , " and the existence of
the joints and partitions , it is wonderfully strong in proportion to its weight . It can
be found of many distinct sizes and proportions ; light or heavy , long or short ...
Page 65
Time after time he goes towards a tree which looks like the one he seeks , but a
closer examination proves it to be distinct . He may at length , perhaps , meet with
a second specimen half a mile off , or may fail altogether , till on another ...
Time after time he goes towards a tree which looks like the one he seeks , but a
closer examination proves it to be distinct . He may at length , perhaps , meet with
a second specimen half a mile off , or may fail altogether , till on another ...
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 |