What is the full title of Charles Darwin's book Fertilisation of Orchids?
Q: What is the full title of Charles Darwin's book Fertilisation of Orchids?
A: The full title of Charles Darwin's book Fertilisation of Orchids is On the various contrivances by which British and foreign orchids are fertilised by insects, and on the good effects of intercrossing.
Q: What was the purpose of this book?
A: The purpose of this book was to explore in detail evolutionary interactions between insects and plants they fertilised, as well as to demonstrate how complex ecological relationships result in co-evolution between orchids and insects.
Q: How did this work develop for Darwin?
A: This work developed from a recreation for Darwin into enjoyable and challenging experiments with help from his family, friends, and a wide circle of correspondents.
Q: How did this book influence botanists?
A: This book influenced botanists by reviving interest in the idea that insects played a part in pollinating flowers, as well as supporting Darwin's view that natural selection led to variety through cross-fertilisation.
Q: What did Thomas Huxley say about the findings in this book?
A: Thomas Huxley said "Do you really think I can believe all that?" when discussing the findings in this book.
Q: What famous prediction did Darwin make in this book?
A: In this book, one famous prediction made by Darwin was his proposal that the long nectary of Angraecum sesquipedale meant there must be a moth with an equally long proboscis - which was confirmed in 1903 when Xanthopan morgani praedicta was found in Madagascar.
