Observations of a Naturalist in the Pacific Between 1896 and 1899, Volume 2

Observations of a Naturalist in the Pacific Between 1896 and 1899, Volume 2 - Plant-Dispersal

The study of insular floras.Their investigation in this work from the standpoint of dispersal.The significance of plant-distribution in the Pacific.The problems connected with the mountain-flora of Hawaii.The persistence of dispersing agencies at the coast, their partial suspension on the mountain-top, their more or less complete suspension in the forest, and the effect on the endemic character of plants.The connection between the endemism of birds and plants.The relative antiquity of plants of the coast, forest, and mountain-top.The genetic relation between coast and inland species of the same genus.The ethics of plant-dispersal.Evolution takes no heed of modes of dispersal.The seed-stage is the price of Adaptation. To proceed from the general to the special is the only method of dealing with insular floras. A broad and comprehensive grasp of plant-distribution, such as is only acquired by a life-time of research aided by travel and the handling of large collections, is a necessary foundation for the study; yet in the nature of things such qualifications can be possessed by but a few. To direct an inquiry in the opposite direction, and endeavour to attack the problem of continental floras through the insular floras would result merely in the investigation of a few of the many questions connected with plant-distribution. The panoramic sketch of the surveyor on the mountain-top aids him in a thousand ways when after months of tedious labour he plots the details in his chart. Without such a panoramic view of the plant-world in his minds eye, an observer like myself can only look for guidance to the writings of those who have 2generalised on the foundations of a far broader experience, such as those of Bentham, De Candolle, Gray, Hooker, Schimper, and others. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 54889
Author: Guppy, H. B. (Henry Brougham)
Release Date: Jun 11, 2017
Format: eBook
Language: English