Flowering Plants: Evolution above the Species Level

G. Ledyard Stebbins

Published by Harvard University Press 1974

Flowering Plants

Evolution above the Species Level

G. Ledyard Stebbins

https://doi.org/10.4159/harvard.9780674864856

About this book

One of the world's leading evolutionary biologists here reexamines the evolutionary history of flowering plants. This important book is the first to interpret the phylogeny of flowering plants in the light of modern knowledge about genetics, developmental biology, and ecology.

Mr. Stebbins is concerned with the evolution of genera, families, and other higher taxa; his analysis is based upon a unified theory that identifies the same fundamental processes at work in the origin of both species and the broader taxonomic categories. He shows, however, that subspecific evolution depends primarily on the natural selection of vegetative characters, whereas the emphasis at the transspecific level is on reproductive characters.

Major changes in evolutionary direction are interpreted as resulting from an interaction of environmental change and the inherent capacity of the organism to alter preferentially in some ways and not in others. The author facilitates this discussion by examining reversibility in certain simple evolutionary trends.

After reviewing basic principles and exploring major patterns of evolution in flowering plants, Mr. Stebbins turns to their actual history. On the basis of a detailed analysis he concludes that the most primitive forms are not represented in any extant category and are not found in the fossil record. His work gives definitive weight to the researches of others who have postulated a monophyletic origin of the angiosperms from a single, extinct group.

Although this beautifully illustrated volume will prove indispensable to botanists, it will be of great interest also to any student of evolutionary theory, theoretical biology, and ecology.

Author / Editor information

Stebbins G. Ledyard :

G. Ledyard Stebbins was Professor Emeritus of Genetics at the University of California.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Preface Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	vii
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	xiii
Tables Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	xiv
Figures Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	xv
Part I. Factors That Determine Evolutionary Trends
1. The Basic Processes of Evolution Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	3
2. Evolutionary Processes and the Origin of Higher Categories Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	16
3. Adaptations for Survival Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	38
4. Adaptations for Cross-Pollination Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	50
5. Adaptations for Seed Development and Dispersal and for Seedling Establishment Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	68
6. Gene Action, Development, and Evolution Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	102
7. Methods for Recognizing Evolutionary Trends Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	121
Part II. Trends of Angiosperm Phylogeny
8. The Ecological Basis of Diversity Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	155
9. Adaptive Radiations and Ecological Differentiation Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	171
10. The Nature and Origin of Primitive Angiosperms Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	198
11. Trends of Specialization within the Angiosperms Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	246
12. Trends of Evolution in the Flower Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	283
13. Evolution of the Monocotyledons Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	312
14. A Glimpse into the Future Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	340
Appendix. The Orders and Families of Angiosperms Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	347
Bibliography Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	354
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	379

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Copyright year: 1974
Edition: Reprint 2014
Audience: Professional and scholarly;
Pages
- Front matter: 18
- Main content: 399
Illustrations
- Illustrations: 57
- Tables: 13
- Other: 59 figures, 13 tables
Keywords: SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Botany; Plants -- Evolution.; Flowers.

eBook

Published: October 1, 2013
ISBN: 9780674864856

Hardcover

Published: February 5, 1974
ISBN: 9780674864849