Bryophytes were a pivotal step in land plant evolution, and their significance in the regulation of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity is becoming increasingly acknowledged. This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of bryophyte biology, making it ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as amateur botanists. The authors expertly summarise the diversity of bryophytes and outline recent advances in our understanding of their evolutionary history, their ecological roles and preferences, their distribution patterns and conservation needs. The text is highly illustrated throughout, with boxed summaries of topics of current relevance in bryophyte biology, and a glossary of technical terms.

Bryophytes, especially mosses, represent a largely untapped resource for monitoring and indicating effects of climate change on the living environment. They are tied very closely to the external environment and have been likened to 'canaries in the coal mine'. Bryophyte Ecology and Climate Change is the first book to bring together a diverse array of research in bryophyte ecology, including physiology, desiccation tolerance, photosynthesis, temperature and UV responses, under the umbrella of climate change. It covers a great variety of ecosystems in which bryophytes are important, including aquatic, desert, tropical, boreal, alpine, Antarctic, and Sphagnum-dominated wetlands, and considers the effects of climate change on the distribution of common and rare species as well as the computer modeling of future changes. This book should be of particular value to individuals, libraries, and research institutions interested in global climate change.

The Study Of Bryophytes Is No Longer Confined To Their Morphology, Anatomy, Life-History, And Phylogenetic Considerations. In Recent Years There Has Been An Increasing Emphasis On Investigations Concerning The Ultrastructure, Reproductive Biology, Ecology, Morphogenesis, Physiology, Biochemistry And Related Aspects Of Bryophytes. These Themes Have Also Rightfully Found Their Place In The Syllabi At All Levels In Most Universities All Over The Globe. However, The Writing Of Texts In This Area Has Lagged Behind. Since The Literature Is Scattered And At Times Not Easy To Reach, There Is An Urgent Need For A Book Which Deals With The Modern Topics Of Bryology. This Volume Is Intended To Fill This Gap. The Authors Have Tried To Make The Compilation Of The Literature As Up-To-Date As Possible, And The References Cited In The Text Have Been Listed At The End Of Each Chapter For Those Interested In More Details. Most Of The Illustrations Have Been Taken From Recent Research Publications And These Have Not Previously Been Included In Any Book As Far As We Aware. Summary Charts And Tables Are Provided At All Appropriate Places.

Bryophytes, which are important constituents of ecosystems globally and often dominate carbon and water dynamics at high latitudes and elevations, were also among the pioneers of terrestrial photosynthesis. Consequently, in addition to their present day ecological value, modern representatives of these groups contain the legacy of adaptations that led to the greening of Earth. This volume brings together experts on bryophyte photosynthesis whose research spans the genome and cell through whole plant and ecosystem function and combines that with historical perspectives on the role of algal, bryophyte and vascular plant ancestors on terrestrialization of the Earth. The eighteen well-illustrated chapters reveal unique physiological approaches to achieving carbon balance and dealing with environmental limitations and stresses that present an alternative, yet successful strategy for land plants.

"An illustrated glossary of terms that are used to describe mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Written in informal prose, it's intended to be an everyday reference for not only bryology and botany students, but also gardeners and anybody who's interested in plants. The second edition has half again as many pages (over 330) and illustrations (nearly 1400) as the first edition did, and two-thirds of those illustrations are new. Over 530 species of bryophytes are illustrated. Also, an appendix explains how to photograph bryophytes without a camera."--NHBS Environment Bookstore.

This fully updated and expanded new edition offers a complete overview of hornworts, liverworts, and mosses--diverse groups of land plants that occupy many habitats throughout the world. Revised classifications incorporate contributions from the most recent phylogenetic studies. Six new chapters have also been added, focusing on Physcomitrella to plant genomic research, population ecology of bryophytes, mechanisms of drought tolerance, a phylogenomic perspective on land plant evolution, and problems and progress of bryophyte speciation and conservation. Rich in primary source references and written by leaders in the field, this comprehensive text is suitable for advanced students and researchers.

This photo-based field guide to the more common or distinctive bryophytes of northeastern North America gives beginners the tools they need to identify most specimens without using a compound microscope.