On the Various Contrivances by Which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilised by Insects

Erscheinungsjahr 2011
ISBN: 978-1-108-02715-1
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 380 Seiten, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 535 g

Reihe: Cambridge Library Collection - Life Sciences

In this investigation of orchids, first published in 1862, Darwin expands on a point made in On the Origin of Species that he felt required further explanation, namely that he believes it to be 'a universal law of nature that organic beings require an occasional cross with another individual'. Darwin explains the method by which orchids are fertilised by insects, and argues that the intricate structure of their flowers evolved to favour cross pollination because of its advantages to the species. The book is written in Darwin's usual precise and elegant style, accessible despite its intricate detail. It includes a brief explanation of botanical terms and is illustrated with 34 woodcuts.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Darwin, Charles

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Evolutionsbiologie
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Botanik Pflanzenreproduktion, Verbreitung, Genetik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction; 1. Structure of orchis; 2. Ophreae continued; 3. Epipactis palustris, curious shape of the labellum and its apparent importance in the fructification of the flower; 4. Malaxis paludosa, simple means of fertilisation; 5. Cattleya, simple manner of fertilisation; 6. Catasetidae, the most remarkable of all orchids; 7. Homologies of orchid-flowers; Index.