Early Flowers and Angiosperm Evolution

Early Flowers and Angiosperm Evolution PDF

Author: Else Marie Friis

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2011-08-18

Total Pages: 597

ISBN-13: 1139496387

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The recent discovery of diverse fossil flowers and floral organs in Cretaceous strata has revealed astonishing details about the structural and systematic diversity of early angiosperms. Exploring the rich fossil record that has accumulated over the last three decades, this is a unique study of the evolutionary history of flowering plants from their earliest phases in obscurity to their dominance in modern vegetation. The discussion provides comprehensive biological and geological background information, before moving on to summarise the fossil record in detail. Including previously unpublished results based on research into Early and Late Cretaceous fossil floras from Europe and North America, the authors draw on direct palaeontological evidence of the pattern of angiosperm evolution through time. Synthesising palaeobotanical data with information from living plants, this unique book explores the latest research in the field, highlighting connections with phylogenetic systematics, structure and the biology of extant angiosperms.

The Enigma of Angiosperm Origins

The Enigma of Angiosperm Origins PDF

Author: Norman Francis Hughes

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1994-08-04

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 9780521411455

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The enigmatic origins of the dominant flowering plant groups are reviewed in this book.

Flowering Plant Origin, Evolution & Phylogeny

Flowering Plant Origin, Evolution & Phylogeny PDF

Author: David W. Taylor

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2007-08-28

Total Pages: 412

ISBN-13: 0585230951

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This book covers the hot topics of angiosperm structure and evolution in several chapters discussing vegetative and reproductive characters. It also looks at the implications of ancestral angiosperm characters for an herbaceous origin and the phylogeny of angiosperms from a structure and molecular perspective.

The Dawn Angiosperms

The Dawn Angiosperms PDF

Author: Xin Wang

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-09-03

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 3642011608

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Angiosperms are the most diversi ed plant group in the world, being represented by ca 300,000 species in about 400 families. Like all of Life, including ourselves, they have had their own history and gone through many evolutionary stages before they arrived at their current forms. The origin of Angiospermae ( owering plants) has been the subject of much dispute because this is a key event in the history of life, and has a far-reaching in uence on our understanding of relationships among seed plants as a whole as well as within the angiosperms. Until recently most of palae- otanists recognized angiosperms only from the Cretaceous and younger strata. This contradicts the results of molecular analyses. I have been working on Mesozoic fossil plants for the past two decades, during which time I have studied a number of fossil plants. Some of these fossil plants have been published as Jurassic angiosperms, and, unsurprisingly, many questions and doubts have been raised about them. These questions need to be addressed se- ously and journal papers do not provide suf cient space to compare and relate these early angiosperms. In this book these pioneer angiosperms are documented in detail, sometimes with new specimens not studied before. Also, I propose a de nition of angiosperms that could be adopted in palaeobotany. My aim is to improve clarity and objectivity of judgment about what constitutes a fossil angiosperm.

Palaeobiology of Angiosperm Origins

Palaeobiology of Angiosperm Origins PDF

Author: Norman F. Hughes

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1976-01-29

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 9780521208093

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The evolutionary origin and early history of the angiosperms (or flowering plants), which are the dominant land plants today, has remained an unsolved problem since the time of Darwin. It has been referred to since those days as an 'abominable mystery', because neither direct ancestor nor an agreed date could be determined. Mr Hughes argues that previous approaches, mostly through botanical theory, have been inadequate and misleading. He suggests that the date is about 110 million years ago (in the Cretaceous period) and there is a good chance of ancestors being found if the correct approach is adopted to the study of other fossil plants of that period. Moreover, the study of plant microfossils in the past twenty years has made feasible a fuller geological study of other fossils. When this book was first published in 1976, several reviewers saw it as a timely book on a controversial subject.

The Origins of Angiosperms and their Biological Consequences

The Origins of Angiosperms and their Biological Consequences PDF

Author: Else Marie Friis

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1989-05-18

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 9780521311731

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This book was originally published in 1989. The dramatic radiation of the angiosperms towards the end of the Early Cretaceous initiated major changes in terrestrial ecosystems throughout the world. Dramatic changes in the flora and fauna were exemplified by the development of angiosperm-dominated plant communities and the rapid diversification of mammals, birds and insects. Written specifically for use by advanced undergraduate and graduate students, the book presents an overview of works on the origins of angiosperms and the ecological effects upon terrestrial life of their rapid radiation. It will be of particular value to students of palaeobiology and ecology, as well as to those studying evolutionary biology and systematics.

Evolutionary Developmental Biology

Evolutionary Developmental Biology PDF

Author: Laura Nuno de la Rosa

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2020-11-15

Total Pages: 1000

ISBN-13: 9783319329772

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This reference work provides an comprehensive and easily accessible source of information on numerous aspects of Evolutionary Developmental Biology. The work provides an extended overview on the current state of the art of this interdisciplinary and dynamic scientific field. The work is organized in thematic sections, referring to the specific requirements and interests in each section in far detail. “Evolutionary Developmental Biology – A Reference Guide” is intended to provide a resource of knowledge for researchers engaged in evolutionary biology, developmental biology, theoretical biology, philosophy of sciences and history of biology.

Phylogeny and Evolution of the Angiosperms

Phylogeny and Evolution of the Angiosperms PDF

Author: Douglas Soltis

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2018-01-24

Total Pages: 587

ISBN-13: 022644175X

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Although they are relative latecomers on the evolutionary scene, having emerged only 135?170 million years ago, angiosperms—or flowering plants—are the most diverse and species-rich group of seed-producing land plants, comprising more than 15,000 genera and over 350,000 species. Not only are they a model group for studying the patterns and processes of evolutionary diversification, they also play major roles in our economy, diet, and courtship rituals, producing our fruits, legumes, and grains, not to mention the flowers in our Valentine’s bouquets. They are also crucial ecologically, dominating most terrestrial and some aquatic landscapes. This fully revised edition of Phylogeny and Evolution of the Angiosperms provides an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the evolution of and relationships among these vital plants. Incorporating molecular phylogenetics with morphological, chemical, developmental, and paleobotanical data, as well as presenting a more detailed account of early angiosperm fossils and important fossil information for each evolutionary branch of the angiosperms, the new edition integrates fossil evidence into a robust phylogenetic framework. Featuring a wealth of new color images, this highly synthetic work further reevaluates long-held evolutionary hypotheses related to flowering plants and will be an essential reference for botanists, plant systematists, and evolutionary biologists alike.