Plant Life Histories: Ecology, Phylogeny and Evolution

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Plant Life Histories: Ecology, Phylogeny and Evolution
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Jonathan Silvertown
Edited by Miguel Franco
Edited by John L. Harper
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:331
Dimensions(mm): Height 228,Width 152
ISBN/Barcode 9780521574952
ClassificationsDewey:581.38
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 35 Tables, unspecified; 42 Line drawings, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 18 September 1997
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Plant Life Histories re-examines patterns of relationship between plant life history traits in phylogenetic perspective. The re-examination first recognises that because evolution is a branching process, traits are not randomly distributed across taxa and that therefore analysis of trait correlations cannot treat species as independent data points. It then discusses the use of phylogeny to reconstruct the evolutionary pathways of traits. Part I looks at the use of the phylogenetic perspective on trait correlation. Parts II-IV examine traits from the reproductive phase from seed production and dispersal to recruitment and growth. The final section looks at interactions between plants and competitors, herbivores and microbial symbionts, recognising that these interactions may have an ancient evolutionary history. Students and researchers of evolution, ecology and botany will find much of value here.

Reviews

'Plant Life Histories has arrived at an apt moment ... I enjoyed readingPlant Life Histories and recommend it not only to everybody interested in evolutionary ecology, but also to ecologists who may be classsified as 'too ecological'.' Martin Zobel, Trends in Plant Science