An Enthusiasm for Orchids: Sex and Deception in Plant Evolution

by John Alcock

The male thynnine wasp's extreme sexual enthusiasm is crucial to reproduction of hammer orchids in the wild. Hammer orchids have co-evolved to produce odors identical to those manufactured by female thynnine wasps. The male wasp's superb sensitivity to the scent of his female mate is the basis for the hammer orchid's deceit--in effect, orchids exploit the male insect's highly adaptive sense of smell for their own propagation. While pollinating orchids is a waste of time, and thus a maladaptive activity for a wasp, his mistake comes about because he must react quickly whenever he senses a possible mate nearby. Alcock suggests that, "for insects, he who hesitates is lost, although perhaps it would be better to say that he who hesitates often loses a chance to pass on his genes."

This book abounds with clever explanations for how these exceptionally complex flowers came to be shaped as they are. The reader can explore many aspects of orchid biology and history ranging from how some species avoid inbreeding, to the origins of orchids from an ancestor that belonged to the asparagus family. Examining each component of an orchid's flower, Alcock explains how the various parts work together to produce the plant's minute offspring. Each element of an orchid, as quirky as it may seem, is biologically significant, bearing the imprint of natural selection. Readers can share in the delight that Darwin and all other orchid enthusiasts have felt in making sense of even the smallest of details of these most wonderful plants.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Gardening

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 24, 2005

About the author

John Alcock (b. 1942) is an American behavioral ecologist and author. He is currently the Emeritus' Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. His research interests include the evolution of diversity in insect populations, studying the adaptive value of different ways in which males find mating partners. He has authored several books, including The Kookaburras' Song: Exploring Animal Behavior in Australia (1988), Sonoran Desert Summer (1990), The Triumph of Sociobiology (2003), and Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (ninth edition, 2009). He authored Sonoran Desert Spring (1994) which was illustrated by Marilyn Hoff Stewart, and also authored In a Desert Garden: Love and Death Among the Insects (1999) illustrated by Turid Forsyth.

Alcock is one of the original scientists to participate in the Ask A Biologist program and continues to participate in interviews as well as answering questions from students around the world.

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smart, insightful, professional account of Darwin, orchids, and where plant evolution is at now. Includes chapters on conservation and biodiversity hotspots. Gorgeously illustrated!

[Jose Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book about evolution in the botanic world, specially looking at the Orchidaceae familly.
A great book for those interested in botanics or in orchids.
Very well written and not at all dull.
I would have liked that the book were more about ornamental orchids from all over the world and not mostly about wild orchids of australia, but I got to know many australian species that were completly unknown to me.

Um livro muito interessante sobre a evolução no mundo botânico com uma especial atenção para a família Orchidaceae.
Está muito bem escrito e não é, de maneira nenhuma, aborrecido.
Gostaria que o autor escrevesse mais sobre orquídeas ornamentais de todo o mundo e não quase só sobre espécies silvestres australianas. No entanto, fiquei a conhecer um grande número dessas grandes orquídeas que me eram completamente desconhecidas.

[Tierney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fascinating to me!

[Nick Mole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly fascinating book. Every creationist should be required to read it