Includes bibliographies.

This volume updates the original scientific survey of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, which was begun by the New York Academy of Sciences in 1913. Many aspects of natural history - geology, paleobotany, plant ecology, herpetology, ornithology, insect taxonomy, archaeology - are covered. Each paper provides a brief historical survey and a mention of future research opportunities in the field.

Includes bibliographies.

"Bilingual (Spanish-English), pictorial essays for non specialists, nature, and orchid lovers. The text describes each of the 143 species included in terms of its taxonomy, natural history and distribution. Readers with deeper interests will find definitions and additional information in the illustrated Introduction and Glossary."