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 42
Page vii
But , so far as I am aware , no one has yet attempted to give a general view of the
phenomena which are essentially tropical , or to determine the causes and
conditions of those phenomena . The local has not been separated from the
general ...
But , so far as I am aware , no one has yet attempted to give a general view of the
phenomena which are essentially tropical , or to determine the causes and
conditions of those phenomena . The local has not been separated from the
general ...
Page viii
... and zoological details and nomenclature being excluded , except so far as was
absolutely necessary to give precision to the descriptions viii PREFACE.
... and zoological details and nomenclature being excluded , except so far as was
absolutely necessary to give precision to the descriptions viii PREFACE.
Page ix
as was absolutely necessary to give precision to the descriptions and to enable
us to deduce from them some conclusions of importance . The remaining
chapters have all a more or less direct connection with the leading subject . The
family of ...
as was absolutely necessary to give precision to the descriptions and to enable
us to deduce from them some conclusions of importance . The remaining
chapters have all a more or less direct connection with the leading subject . The
family of ...
Page 28
The trade winds passing over the ocean from north - east to south - west with an
oblique tendency towards the equator , become saturated with vapour , and are
ready to give out moisture whenever they are forced upwards or in any other way
...
The trade winds passing over the ocean from north - east to south - west with an
oblique tendency towards the equator , become saturated with vapour , and are
ready to give out moisture whenever they are forced upwards or in any other way
...
Page 30
... and which , being placed at a considerable average distance apart , give an
impression similar to that produced by the columns of some enormous building .
Overhead , at a height , perhaps , of a hundred feet , is an almost unbroken
canopy ...
... and which , being placed at a considerable average distance apart , give an
impression similar to that produced by the columns of some enormous building .
Overhead , at a height , perhaps , of a hundred feet , is an almost unbroken
canopy ...
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 |