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 163
... nearly equal proportions , the evidence is by no means strong that tropical light
and heat have anything to do with the matter . But there are other groups in which
the cold and temperate zones produce finercoloured species than the tropics .
... nearly equal proportions , the evidence is by no means strong that tropical light
and heat have anything to do with the matter . But there are other groups in which
the cold and temperate zones produce finercoloured species than the tropics .
Page 199
It is undoubtedly proved that in birds the females do sometimes exert a choice ;
but the evidence of this fact collected by Mr. Darwin ( Descent of Man , chap . xiv .
) does not prove that colour determines that choice , while much of the strongest ...
It is undoubtedly proved that in birds the females do sometimes exert a choice ;
but the evidence of this fact collected by Mr. Darwin ( Descent of Man , chap . xiv .
) does not prove that colour determines that choice , while much of the strongest ...
Page 202
... from allied species , we have a reason for diverse ornamentation in these
insects quite sufficient to account for most of the facts , without believing in the
selection of brilliant males by the females , for which there is not a particle of
evidence .
... from allied species , we have a reason for diverse ornamentation in these
insects quite sufficient to account for most of the facts , without believing in the
selection of brilliant males by the females , for which there is not a particle of
evidence .
Page 207
If now we accept the evidence of Mr. Darwin's most trustworthy correspondents ,
that the choice of the female , so far as she exerts any , falls upon the “ most
vigorous , defiant , and mettlesome male ; ” and if we further believe , what is
certainly ...
If now we accept the evidence of Mr. Darwin's most trustworthy correspondents ,
that the choice of the female , so far as she exerts any , falls upon the “ most
vigorous , defiant , and mettlesome male ; ” and if we further believe , what is
certainly ...
Page 211
... then the sexual selection of colour or ornament , for which there is little or no
evidence , becomes needless , because natural selection which is an admitted
vera causa , will itself produce all the results . In the case of butterflies the
argument ...
... then the sexual selection of colour or ornament , for which there is little or no
evidence , becomes needless , because natural selection which is an admitted
vera causa , will itself produce all the results . In the case of butterflies the
argument ...
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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 |