In ‘The Geographical Distribution of Animals (Vol. 1 & 2)’, Alfred Russel Wallace presents a pioneering exploration of biogeography, interweaving meticulous observations of flora and fauna with the emerging scientific principles of evolution and natural selection. Written in a clear and engaging style characteristic of Victorian naturalism, this work meticulously categorizes species and their habitats across various world regions, delving into the effects of geography on biodiversity. Wallace’s keen insights laid foundational stones for modern ecology, revealing intricate relationships between environment and species distribution, emphasizing the significance of geographical barriers in the evolution of life. Alfred Russel Wallace, often heralded as the father of biogeography, was a contemporary and collaborator of Charles Darwin. His extensive travels across the tropical regions, including the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago, enriched his understanding of the natural world and informed his theories on evolution. The robust scientific inquiries and experiences that Wallace amassed during his expeditions reflect a profound dedication to understanding life’s diversity, elevating his work in this volume to a cornerstone of biological sciences. This seminal work is highly recommended for scholars, ecologists, and naturalists alike, offering a comprehensive and detailed examination of animal distribution that is as relevant today as it was in the 19th century. Wallace’s unique perspective not only enhances our understanding of animal geography but also invites readers to appreciate the intricate web of life that defines our planet.
Yazar hakkında
Alfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913) was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist whose prolific work and ideas were instrumental in the development of evolutionary theory. He is best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution through natural selection, contemporaneously with Charles Darwin. Wallace’s deep interest in biogeography led him to empirically formulate the Wallace Line, which demarcates the faunal differences between Asia and Australia. His magnum opus, ‘The Geographical Distribution of Animals’ (Vol.1&2), published in 1876, is a monumental work that provides a comprehensive account of the global distribution of animal life based on meticulous empirical observations and geographical classifications. His analysis delineated the patterns and factors influencing the distribution of animal species and was seminal in the establishment of zoogeography as a science. In this two-volume set, Wallace thoroughly examined the physical geography of each region, linking the distribution of animals to the geological history, illustrating the concept of continental drift’s impact on species dispersal. Notably, Wallace is acknowledged for his insightful contributions to the theory of speciation and environmental influences on the survival of species. His extensive travels and observations furnished him with a vast array of specimens and an unparalleled knowledge of global biodiversity, thereby confirming his status as a foremost scientific intellect in the Victorian era.
Aynı yazardan daha fazla e-kitap / Editör
3.214 Bu kategorideki e-kitaplar
