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 17
The various causes now enumerated are sufficient to enable us to understand
how the great characteristic features of the climate of the equatorial zone are
brought about ; how it is that so high a temperature is maintained during the
absence ...
The various causes now enumerated are sufficient to enable us to understand
how the great characteristic features of the climate of the equatorial zone are
brought about ; how it is that so high a temperature is maintained during the
absence ...
Page 31
They rise to various heights on the tree , from five or six , to twenty or thirty feet ;
they often divide as they approach the ground , and sometimes twist and curve
along the surface for a considerable distance , forming elevated and greatly ...
They rise to various heights on the tree , from five or six , to twenty or thirty feet ;
they often divide as they approach the ground , and sometimes twist and curve
along the surface for a considerable distance , forming elevated and greatly ...
Page 33
131 ) —and the equally remarkable fig - trees of various species , whose trunks
are formed by a miniature forest of aerial roots , sometimes separate , sometimes
matted together , are characteristic of the Eastern tropics , but appear to be rare ...
131 ) —and the equally remarkable fig - trees of various species , whose trunks
are formed by a miniature forest of aerial roots , sometimes separate , sometimes
matted together , are characteristic of the Eastern tropics , but appear to be rare ...
Page 39
The variety in the length , thickness , strength and toughness of these climbers ,
enables the natives of tropical countries to put them to various uses . Almost
every kind of cordage is supplied by them . Some will stand in water without
rotting ...
The variety in the length , thickness , strength and toughness of these climbers ,
enables the natives of tropical countries to put them to various uses . Almost
every kind of cordage is supplied by them . Some will stand in water without
rotting ...
Page 40
to tropical as distinguished from temperate vegetation : Such are the various
groups of palms , ferns , ginger - worts , and wild plantains , arums , orchids , and
bamboos ; and under these heads we shall give a short account of the part they
take ...
to tropical as distinguished from temperate vegetation : Such are the various
groups of palms , ferns , ginger - worts , and wild plantains , arums , orchids , and
bamboos ; and under these heads we shall give a short account of the part they
take ...
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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 |