The Various Contrivances by Which Orchids are Fertilized by Insects

The book ""The Various Contrivances by Which Orchids are Fertilized by Insects"" by Charles Darwin is a detailed study of the relationship between orchids and insects. In this book, Darwin explores the various mechanisms and adaptations that orchids have developed to attract and manipulate insects for pollination. He describes the intricate structures of orchid flowers and how they have evolved to fit the specific needs of different insect species. Darwin also examines the behavior of insects and how they respond to the various signals and cues that orchids emit. The book is a fascinating look at the complex interplay between plants and animals and provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution and natural selection. It is a must-read for anyone interested in botany, ecology, or evolutionary biology.1885. With illustrations. A volume by Darwin the British naturalist who became famous for his theories of evolution and natural selection. In 1861, Darwin took a break from writing his book on animal domestication and went on holiday with his daughter, Henrietta, to Torquay on the Devon coast. While there he spent many an hour examining the way insects pollinate orchids in the fields around the town. He noticed that only certain insects pollinate one particular orchid variety. When he returned to Down House he immediately switched from breeding pigeons to raising orchids. During the Victorian era, orchids were all the rage, and as soon as word got out that Darwin was raising them he found himself being flooded with specimens from all over the country. What he set out to do was study how orchids used intricate petal designs to attract bees and moths to their pollen. How did such a relationship evolve? The subject fascinated him and the results are to be found in this work.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.