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 24
Page 21
As this depends only on the fact of the sun descending vertically instead of
obliquely below the horizon , the difference is most marked when we compare
our midsummer twilight with that of the tropics . Even with us the duration of
twilight is ...
As this depends only on the fact of the sun descending vertically instead of
obliquely below the horizon , the difference is most marked when we compare
our midsummer twilight with that of the tropics . Even with us the duration of
twilight is ...
Page 59
At each step the plants for some distance round suddenly droop , as if struck with
paralysis , and a broad track of prostrate herbage , several feet wide , is distinctly
marked out by the different colour of the closed leaflets . The explanation of this ...
At each step the plants for some distance round suddenly droop , as if struck with
paralysis , and a broad track of prostrate herbage , several feet wide , is distinctly
marked out by the different colour of the closed leaflets . The explanation of this ...
Page 167
It is only in favoured spots that we find them in abundance the species with small
and inconspicuous flowers greatly preponderate ; and the flowering season of
each kind being of short duration , they rarely produce any marked effect of
colour ...
It is only in favoured spots that we find them in abundance the species with small
and inconspicuous flowers greatly preponderate ; and the flowering season of
each kind being of short duration , they rarely produce any marked effect of
colour ...
Page 169
Many other cases are known among insects in which the same species acquires
a different tint according to its surroundings ; this being particularly marked in
some South African locusts , which correspond with the colour of the soil
wherever ...
Many other cases are known among insects in which the same species acquires
a different tint according to its surroundings ; this being particularly marked in
some South African locusts , which correspond with the colour of the soil
wherever ...
Page 194
The same phenomena occur , though in a less marked degree , among
mammalia . Whenever there is a difference of colour between the sexes the male
is the darker or more strongly marked , and the difference of intensity is most
visible ...
The same phenomena occur , though in a less marked degree , among
mammalia . Whenever there is a difference of colour between the sexes the male
is the darker or more strongly marked , and the difference of intensity is most
visible ...
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 |