Science Is Forever

Abstract

It is ironic that about the time (1960-1980) that tropical field biology is becoming a widespread, respectable and interesting area of research, greatly increased rates of destruction of the tropics are rendering it obsolete and impossible to conduct. However, the burgeoning conservation efforts throughout the tropics suggest that all is not lost. This 11 th hour calls for exceptional and directed efforts on the part of the scientific community. Here I address the question of how the scientific literature about the tropics can be improved through changes in attitude and emphasis. My comments may seem to apply to more literature than just that about the tropics, but it is no secret that tropical scientists have much in common with their extra-tropical counterparts.