north american native orchid journal - at The Culture Sheet

Folsom: A CASE FOR EVOLUTION
A CASE FOR EVOLUTION
Stan Folsom
Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution on
observations of living things that have evolved and adapted to the
changes that have occurred in their environment. He labeled this
process as survival of the fittest. Orchids help to bear out
Darwin’s tenets (Darwin, 1859, 1962).
Orchids have been around as long as mankind and most
likely well before that and although they are not well known from
the fossil record. They are considered the most advanced form of
flora on the planet with many varied adaptations that have helped
them survive. They have met the changes that have occurred on
this planet since they first appeared in the prime evil landscape in
clever ways to ensure their survival. Orchids are continuing to
evolve as they adapt to fit the conditions they encounter today.
Orchids have seen the world change mightily over the
millennia of their existence. Whole areas of the landmasses
underwent massive alterations as lush, verdant areas gave way to
encroaching deserts when weather patterns changed. Mountains
pushed up in former plains and seas receded. Ice ages and
cataclysmic events like gigantic volcanic eruptions or giant
meteors striking the earth wrought havoc with living things. Yet
orchids have endured and through adaptation have grown to over
30,000 species and spread to the four corners of the world.
This paper explores some of the techniques orchids have
used to maintain their viability on Earth. We will examine some of
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