How Wallace and Bates revolutionised natural history

A domain of inquiry, natural history is the interdisciplinary research and study of organisms. When we say organisms, it includes the entire gamut of living beings, be it plants, animals, fungi, and even microorganisms. Natural history focuses on the life cycles, behaviours and relationships of these organisms in their natural environment.

Serving as a bridge between the scientific study of organisms and the appreciation of nature, natural history leans more towards observational studies, than over experimental methods or manipulation. This means that natural history emphasises more on direct observation and classification of beings.