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 19
... moister and more uniform climate , so that it seems probable that the nature of
the soil or the artificial clearing away of the forests , are important agents in
producing the departure from the typical equatorial climate observed in such
districts .
... moister and more uniform climate , so that it seems probable that the nature of
the soil or the artificial clearing away of the forests , are important agents in
producing the departure from the typical equatorial climate observed in such
districts .
Page 22
All nature seems refreshed and strengthened by the coolness and moisture of the
past night ; new leaves and buds unfold almost before the eye , and fresh shoots
may often be observed to have grown many inches since the preceding day .
All nature seems refreshed and strengthened by the coolness and moisture of the
past night ; new leaves and buds unfold almost before the eye , and fresh shoots
may often be observed to have grown many inches since the preceding day .
Page 76
The habits of the butterflies of the tropics offer many curious points rarely or never
observed among those of the temperate zone . The majority , as with us , are truly
diurnal , but there are some Eastern Morphid¿ and the entire American family ...
The habits of the butterflies of the tropics offer many curious points rarely or never
observed among those of the temperate zone . The majority , as with us , are truly
diurnal , but there are some Eastern Morphid¿ and the entire American family ...
Page 78
... their great abundance , and the assiduity with which they have been collected
and studied . Perhaps no group exhibits the distinctions of species and genera
with such precision and distinctness , due , as Mr. Bates has well observed , to
the ...
... their great abundance , and the assiduity with which they have been collected
and studied . Perhaps no group exhibits the distinctions of species and genera
with such precision and distinctness , due , as Mr. Bates has well observed , to
the ...
Page 79
has well observed , to the fact that all the superficial signs of change in the
organization are exaggerated , by their affecting the size , shape , and colour , of
the wings , and the distribution of the ribs or veins which form their framework .
has well observed , to the fact that all the superficial signs of change in the
organization are exaggerated , by their affecting the size , shape , and colour , of
the wings , and the distribution of the ribs or veins which form their framework .
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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 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 tion 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 Bavarian State Library |
| Digitized | 19 veeb. 2019 |
| Length | 356 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |