
The Power of Movement in Plants
Charles Darwin(Author)
Francis Darwin(Co-Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 20. July 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
608 pages
978-1-108-00360-5 (ISBN)
Description
Written in collaboration with his son Francis, a notable botanist, this 1880 book builds on Darwin's earlier investigations into climbing plants, orchids, insectivorous plants, flower variety, and the processes of fertilisation. This detailed study of many species from seed to mature plant further develops Darwin's work on adaptation and evolution, with the aim of collating the results of individual studies into common factors applicable to plants in general. Particular emphasis is given to analysis and investigation of the process here termed circumnutation, the movement of the stem of the plant in order to direct the head in certain directions. This is seen as of paramount importance, with the conclusion that it is modification of this feature that has enabled plants to adapt and evolve so diversely. The authors also note similarities between plants and animals, such as sensitivity to touch and habit of action at certain times.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
846 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-00360-5 (9781108003605)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Charles Robert Darwin, (12 February 1809 - 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted, and considered a foundational concept in science. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding.
Darwin's early interest in nature led him to neglect his medical education at the University of Edinburgh; instead, he helped to investigate marine invertebrates. Studies at the University of Cambridge (Christ's College) encouraged his passion for natural science. His five-year voyage on HMS Beagle established him as an eminent geologist whose observations and theories supported Charles Lyell's conception of gradual geological change, and publication of his journal of the voyage made him famous as a popular author.
Puzzled by the geographical distribution of wildlife and fossils he collected on the voyage, Darwin began detailed investigations, and in 1838 conceived his theory of natural selection. Although he discussed his ideas with several naturalists, he needed time for extensive research and his geological work had priority. He was writing up his theory in 1858 when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay that described the same idea, prompting immediate joint publication of both of their theories. Darwin's work established evolutionary descent with modification as the dominant scientific explanation of diversification in nature. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and he was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.
Content
Introduction; 1. The circumnutating movements of seedling plants; 2. General considerations on the movements and growth of seedling plants; 3. Sensitiveness of the apex of the radicle to contact and to other irritants; 4. The circumnutating movements of the several parts of mature plants; 5. Modified circumnutation: climbing plants, epinastic and hyponastic movements; 6. Modified circumnutation: sleep or nyctitropic movements, their use, sleep of cotyledons; 7. Modified circumnutation: nyctitropic or sleep movements of leaves; 8. Modified circumnutation: movements excited by light; 9. Sensitiveness of plants to light: its transmitted effects; 10. Modified circumnutation: movements excited by gravitation; 11. Localised sensitiveness to gravitation and its transmitted effects; 12. Summary and concluding remarks; Index.