A concise, up-to-date and fully-integrated discussion of present-day plant taxonomy.

Modern angiosperm taxonomy or systematics provides a strong foundation for the progress of biological sciences as it incorporates studies on biosystematics, chemical and serological evidences, numerical taxonomy, cytogenetical and ecological evidences and many others. This book accounts for information on classical and fundamental aspects of taxonomy as well as its recent developments. Special attention has been paid to the chapters on origin of Angiosperms, Theory of Evolution and Evolutionary trends in Angiosperm Flowers. The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, Important herbaria, Techniques for the preparation, storage and study of herbarium specimens, Botanical gardens, and Taxonomic literature are discussed in detail and includes the study of some selected families belonging to 21 orders. For each family, general features and evidence from anatomical, embryological, chromosome numbers and phytochemical data have been added and evolutionary trends discussed. Attention has also been drawn to economic importance and geographical distribution of these families. Illustrations for some members of these families have also been added.

This fourth edition of Plant Systematics is completely revised and updated. It incorporates the updated International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants (Shenzhen Code, 2018), the new version of PhyloCode (Beta version of Phylocode 5, 2014), APweb version 14 (September, 2018), revised Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification (APG IV, 2016), new Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group Classification (PPG I, 2016), besides the updates since the publication of third edition. The book is a blend of classical fundamental aspects and recent developments, especially in the field of molecular systematics, cladistics and computer identification. Special attention has been given to information on botanical nomenclature, identification, molecular systematics and phylogeny of angiosperms. The complicated concepts of phylogeny, taxometrics and cladistics have been explained with a view to providing a comparison between these diverse but interactive fields of study. An attempt has been made to build upon a common example when exploring different methods, especially in procedures of identification, taxometrics and cladistics. The major systems of classification are evaluated critically. Discussion on major families of Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, especially those of major phylogenetic interest, form a major portion of this edition. The ebook includes nearly 500 color photographs set out in 36 pages covering plants from different parts of the world. In addition, 305 black & white illustrations have been included to provide a better understanding of the plants covered in the book.

This collection of specially commissioned essays puts top scholarshead to head to debate the central issues in the lively and fastgrowing field of philosophy of biology Brings together original essays on ten of the most hotlydebated questions in philosophy of biology Lively head-to-head debate format sharply defines the issuesand paves the way for further discussion Includes coverage of the new and vital area of evolutionarydevelopmental biology, as well as the concept of a unified species,the role of genes in selection, the differences between micro- andmacro-evolution, and much more Each section features an introduction to the topic as well assuggestions for further reading Offers an accessible overview of this fast-growing and dynamicfield, whilst also capturing the imagination of professionalphilosophers and biologists

The field of plant taxonomy has transformed rapidly over the past fifteen years, especially with regard to improvements in cladistic analysis and the use of new molecular data. The second edition of this popular resource reflects these far-reaching and dramatic developments with more than 3,000 new references and many new figures. Synthesizing current research and trends, Plant Taxonomy now provides the most up-to-date overview in relation to monographic, biodiversity, and evolutionary studies, and continues to be an essential resource for students and scholars. This text is divided into two parts: Part 1 explains the principles of taxonomy, including the importance of systematics, characters, concepts of categories, and different approaches to biological classification. Part 2 outlines the different types of data used in plant taxonomic studies with suggestions on their efficacy and modes of presentation and evaluation. This section also lists the equipment and financial resources required for gathering each type of data. References throughout the book illuminate the historical development of taxonomic terminology and philosophy while citations offer further study. Plant Taxonomy is also a personal story of what it means to be a practicing taxonomist and to view these activities within a meaningful conceptual framework. Tod F. Stuessy recalls the progression of his own work and shares his belief that the most creative taxonomy is done by those who have a strong conceptual grasp of their own research.