Natural Selection and Tropical Nature Essays on Descriptive and Theoretical Biology

Focusing on his extensive observations, the collection features essays that explore various bird species and their significance in evolutionary theory. Wallace, inspired by contemporary naturalists, embarked on a four-year expedition in the Amazon rainforest, documenting the region's diverse peoples, languages, and natural wonders. His experiences led to the refinement of his ideas on natural selection, culminating in a pivotal 1858 article shared with Charles Darwin. This work highlights Wallace's crucial contributions to the natural sciences and the evolution debate.