An Enthusiasm for Orchids
Subtitle
Sex and Deception in Plant Evolution
John Alcock takes the reader orchid-hunting in Australia and delves into the bizarre, unusual and downright weird “relationships” of orchids with their pollinators. A fascinating read, with appeal to orchid lovers and devotees of evolutionary adaptation alike.
Bio
John Alcock is professor emeritus at ASU's School of Life Sciences. His research deals with the evolution of diversity in insect mating systems.
Praise for this book
...very informative, lucidly and entertainingly written, and a pleasure to read. It is easily one of best books on orchids I have read.
Quarterly Review of Biology
The book is easy to read and has many beautiful illustrations. For an overview of the concepts of adaptation and maladaptation, a brief history of evolution in general, and a good look at the hotspots, biodiversity and conservation of orchids in southwestern Australia in particular, this is the book to read.
Nature
