
Ecology and Evolution of Flowers
Oxford University Press
Published on 30. November 2006
Book
Hardback
384 pages
978-0-19-857085-1 (ISBN)
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Description
The reproductive organs and mating biology of angiosperms exhibit greater variety than those of any other group of organisms. Flowers and inflorescences are also the most diverse structures produced by angiosperms, and floral traits provide some of the most compelling examples of evolution by natural selection. Given that flowering plants include roughly 250,000 species, their reproductive diversity will not be explained easily by continued accumulation of case
studies of individual species. Instead a more strategic approach is now required, which seeks to identify general principles concerning the role of ecological function in the evolution of reproductive diversity.
The Ecology and Evolution of Flowers uses this approach to expose new insights into the functional basis of floral diversity, and presents the very latest theoretical and empirical research on floral evolution. Floral biology is a dynamic and growing area and this book, written by the leading internationally recognized researchers in this field, reviews current progress in understanding the evolution and function of flowers. Chapters contain both new research findings and synthesis. Major
sections in turn examine functional aspects of floral traits and sexual systems, the ecological influences on reproductive adaptation, and the role of floral biology in angiosperm diversification. Overall, this integrated treatment illustrates the role of floral function and evolution in the generation of
angiosperm biodiversity.
This advanced textbook is suitable for graduate level students taking courses in plant ecology, evolution, systematics, biodiversity and conservation. It will also be of interest and use to a broader audience of plant scientists seeking an authoritative overview of recent advances in floral biology.
studies of individual species. Instead a more strategic approach is now required, which seeks to identify general principles concerning the role of ecological function in the evolution of reproductive diversity.
The Ecology and Evolution of Flowers uses this approach to expose new insights into the functional basis of floral diversity, and presents the very latest theoretical and empirical research on floral evolution. Floral biology is a dynamic and growing area and this book, written by the leading internationally recognized researchers in this field, reviews current progress in understanding the evolution and function of flowers. Chapters contain both new research findings and synthesis. Major
sections in turn examine functional aspects of floral traits and sexual systems, the ecological influences on reproductive adaptation, and the role of floral biology in angiosperm diversification. Overall, this integrated treatment illustrates the role of floral function and evolution in the generation of
angiosperm biodiversity.
This advanced textbook is suitable for graduate level students taking courses in plant ecology, evolution, systematics, biodiversity and conservation. It will also be of interest and use to a broader audience of plant scientists seeking an authoritative overview of recent advances in floral biology.
Reviews / Votes
"This comprehensive book is dedicated to the late David G. Lloyd, whose conceptual synthesis laid the foundation for modern plant reproductive biology. The chapters draw from an international slate of experts and, like Lloyd's work itself, integrate mathematical theory and empiricism. This book provides a state-of-the-art view of reproductive biology today." Bioscience, October 2007More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
numeroous line figures, 8pp colour plates
Dimensions
Height: 252 mm
Width: 196 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
1066 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-857085-1 (9780198570851)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Lawrence D. Harder | Spencer C.H. Barrett
Ecology and Evolution of Flowers
Book
11/2006
Oxford University Press
€69.33
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Lawrence Harder is Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary.
Spencer Barrett is Professor and Canada Research Chair at the Department of Botany, University of Toronto.
Spencer Barrett is Professor and Canada Research Chair at the Department of Botany, University of Toronto.
Editor
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary
Professor & Canada Research Chair - Department of Botany, University of Toronto
Content
PART 1 STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVES ON FLORAL BIOLOGY ; PART 2 ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF FLORAL FUNCTION AND ITS EVOLUTION ; PART 3 MATING STRATEGIES AND SEXUAL SYSTEMS ; PART 4 FLORAL DIVERSIFICATION ; GLOSSARY