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 60
It is however curious that , as most of the species are somewhat prickly , so easy
and common a mode of protection as the development of stronger spines should
here have failed ; and that its place should be supplied by so singular a power ...
It is however curious that , as most of the species are somewhat prickly , so easy
and common a mode of protection as the development of stronger spines should
here have failed ; and that its place should be supplied by so singular a power ...
Page 82
This protection they no doubt obtain by their hard smooth bodies , and by the
curious hooks , spines , points and bristles with which they are armed , which
must render them unpalatable morsels , very liable to stick in the jaws or throats
of their ...
This protection they no doubt obtain by their hard smooth bodies , and by the
curious hooks , spines , points and bristles with which they are armed , which
must render them unpalatable morsels , very liable to stick in the jaws or throats
of their ...
Page 83
... and even this does not always succeed , as a little dust on the surface will
enable the smaller species to get across . Oil is , however , an effectual protection
, and after many losses of valuable insect specimens , for which ants have a
special ...
... and even this does not always succeed , as a little dust on the surface will
enable the smaller species to get across . Oil is , however , an effectual protection
, and after many losses of valuable insect specimens , for which ants have a
special ...
Page 86
Mr. Belt carried on war against them for four years to protect his garden in
Nicaragua , and found that carbolic acid and corrosive sublimate were most
effectual in destroying or driving them away . The use to which the ants put the
immense ...
Mr. Belt carried on war against them for four years to protect his garden in
Nicaragua , and found that carbolic acid and corrosive sublimate were most
effectual in destroying or driving them away . The use to which the ants put the
immense ...
Page 88
... a covered way or tunnel as they march along . On coming near a rotten log , or
any other favourable hunting ground , they pour into all its crevices in search of
booty , their covered way serving as a protection to retire to in case of danger .
... a covered way or tunnel as they march along . On coming near a rotten log , or
any other favourable hunting ground , they pour into all its crevices in search of
booty , their covered way serving as a protection to retire to in case of danger .
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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 |