2009 is the year that marks the bicentennary of Charles Darwin's birth. It is also the 150th anniversary of Darwin's path- breaking work, 'On the Origin of Species'. Darwin changed the thinking pattern of the 19th century scientists by his theory of Evolution through Natural Selection. My post today is a tribute to this great man.Evolution through camouflage is seen very often by the gardener. The mynah bird has come to my pocket pond in search of water and food. But the food escaped its notice.
The tiny frogs are the colour of the rocks around to escape from their predators. Survival!
The Danaid Eggfly is a slow flying butterfly. It also takes rest for long spells on its favourite flowers. But it has nothing to fear, because its spots mislead the frogs and birds into thinking it is an animal.The spots look like the eyes and markings on a kitten.
This beetle on the croton escapes its natural predators as well as the most intelligent animal on the planet, namely human being, by taking on the colours of the leaves it lives on.
Creatures resort to camouflage not only to escape predators, but also to hunt for food. This waiting spider on the dahlia has become almost transparent . It catches the unwary butterfly which lands on the dahlia. I do have a picture where the spider is enjoying his dinner of a butterfly, but I feel squeemish to look at it. But that is Evolution!
I like the "vanishing act" of the beetle on the croton leaf!
ReplyDeleteYes we do owe a great deal to Darwin... he and his wife were very courageous to publish his work. A lovely post and tribute to him.
ReplyDeleteLotusleaf you are truly your father's daughter and he has taught you well! Many of us have only heard of the name Darwin, but have never bothered to investigate his theory of evolution. You have explained it so clearly and simply, that it gives credence to this great man. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Diwali!!
Shailaja, I would have missed the beetle if I had not seen it land on the croton leaf!
ReplyDeleteCarol, Thanks for your appreciation.
Islandgal, you use such nice words. Thank you.
Hey lotusleaf!, the flower in the last photo is the one I was trying to identity in my article http://irish-oriental.blogspot.com/2009/10/rain-returns.html, what do you think, it looks pretty similar :D
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to Darwin! I've never really given the theory much thought. Great photos to illustrate the points! It'd have been hard to notice the beetle on the croton.
ReplyDeleteYes it makes great sense what Darwin discovered. A great man with a interesting history. The survival of the fittest, are well shown in your delightful pictures.
ReplyDeleteBarry: The flower is a dahlia.
ReplyDeleteKanak: The beetle is so well camouflaged, isn't it.
Titania: Thank you.
Very nice post, and creative too....you remind me of so much more. pictures are lovely. keep posting, it's a pleasure to read.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and flowers.
ReplyDeleteCher
Goldenray Yorkies