This dissertation uses conifers to explore how patterns of reproductive character evolution are driven or constrained by the suite of functions that different reproductive structures must perform. I begin by exploring how a specific functional relationship between pollen morphology and seed-cone morphology has influenced the evolution of gymnosperm reproductive biology. I present studies in living trees demonstrating that flotation can effectively concentrate pollen with air bladders, or sacci, during pollination in conifer taxa with downwards-facing ovules. I then use both fossil and extant conifer data to show that saccate pollen in both ancient conifers and ancient non-coniferous gymnosperms is physically and morphologically similar to that of modern conifers. Coupled with the prevalence of downwards-facing ovules in many of the fossil gymnosperm groups that produced this pollen, the functional correlation between saccate pollen and ovulate-cone morphology likely has a deep history in gymnosperm reproduction and therefore has significantly influenced the evolution of gymnosperm reproductive morphology. I then explore larger-scale relationships between the evolution of conifer pollen and seed-producing cones in general and the functional roles that these structures perform. Combined results from multivariate morphological analyses and traditional morphometric data reveal that seed cones display a greater range of morphological diversity over their history than pollen cones, and that this pattern was driven by a radiation of forms during the Jurassic and Cretaceous. This radiation is characterized by the appearance of robust seed cones with larger, more tightly packed cone scales and more simplified seed cones with fleshy tissues. These seemingly contradictory patterns are best explained as responses to the increasing importance of the cone structure in protecting seeds from specialized vertebrate predators in some species and attracting vertebrate seed dispersers in others. In contrast, pollen cone morphology and their relative amount of tissue have stayed similar throughout conifer evolutionary history, which is consistent with the idea that these structures have functioned only in aerial pollen dispersal. This work provides a novel framework for interpreting patterns of character evolution in reproductive structures, and suggests that biotic interactions have been some of the most important drivers of reproductive diversification in seed plants.

The Evolution of Plant Form is an exceptional new volume in Wiley-Blackwell’s highly successful and well established Annual Plant Reviews. Written by recognised and respected researchers, this book delivers a comprehensive guide to the diverse range of scientific perspectives in land plant evolution, from morphological evolution to the studies of the mechanisms of evolutionary change and the tools with which they can be studied. This title distinguishes itself from others in plant evolution through its synthesis of these ideas, which then provides a framework for future studies and exciting new developments in this field. The first chapter explores the origins of the major morphological innovations in land plants and the following chapters provide an exciting, in depth analysis of the morphological evolution of land plant groups including bryophytes, lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. The second half of the book focuses on evolutionary studies in land plants including genomics, adaptation, development and phenotypic plasticity. The final chapter provides a summary and perspective for future studies in the evolution of plant form. The Evolution of Plant Form provides essential information for plant scientists and evolutionary biologists. All libraries and research establishments, where biological and agricultural sciences are studied and taught, will find this important work a vital addition to their shelves.

The first part of the book presents the evolution of plants starting from photosynthetic cells to topics like Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, including the evolution of the breeding system. Geological and molecular data were used, helping us to show with more details each of the phases presented. Also, specialization of the reproductive systems such as evolution of unissexuality (dioecy and monoecy), evolution of self-incompatibility, selfing fertilization and mixed mating systems were considered. The last part discusses the biology and genetics of the reproductive systems and shows the strategies that modern plants use in asexual reproduction (vegetative and apomictic reproduction) and sexual reproduction. In addition, the sexual reproduction topics such as gametogenesis, the genetic control of reproductive organs, systems that promote outcrossing, selfing and mixed mating systems were also included.

The great diversity of land plants (especially angiosperms) is mainly reflected in the diversity of various reproductive organs of plants. However, despite long time intensive investigations, there are still uncertainties and sometimes misunderstandings over the nature and evolution of reproductive organs in land plants. With the new advances made in various fields of botany (especially at molecular level), there is increasing light shed on some aspects of flowers (reproductive organs of angiosperms). In this ebook, we collect 15 papers reporting new understanding on plant reproductive organs. These works range from morphology and anatomy to molecular regulatory networks underlying traditional observations. We understand this single book cannot reach our goal, but we do hope that this book can contribute to or initiate some efforts leading to the final solution of some problems concerning the homology and evolution of reproductive organs in plants.

The great diversity of land plants (especially angiosperms) is mainly reflected in the diversity of various reproductive organs of plants. However, despite long time intensive investigations, there are still uncertainties and sometimes misunderstandings over the nature and evolution of reproductive organs in land plants. With the new advances made in various fields of botany (especially at molecular level), there is increasing light shed on some aspects of flowers (reproductive organs of angiosperms). In this ebook, we collect 15 papers reporting new understanding on plant reproductive organs. These works range from morphology and anatomy to molecular regulatory networks underlying traditional observations. We understand this single book cannot reach our goal, but we do hope that this book can contribute to or initiate some efforts leading to the final solution of some problems concerning the homology and evolution of reproductive organs in plants.

In the 2007 third edition of her successful textbook, Paula Rudall provides a comprehensive yet succinct introduction to the anatomy of flowering plants. Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, the book covers all aspects of comparative plant structure and development, arranged in a series of chapters on the stem, root, leaf, flower, seed and fruit. Internal structures are described using magnification aids from the simple hand-lens to the electron microscope. Numerous references to recent topical literature are included, and new illustrations reflect a wide range of flowering plant species. The phylogenetic context of plant names has also been updated as a result of improved understanding of the relationships among flowering plants. This clearly written text is ideal for students studying a wide range of courses in botany and plant science, and is also an excellent resource for professional and amateur horticulturists.