Evolution of the Arborescent Gymnosperms. Volume 1, Northern Hemisphere Focus [electronic resource]
AUTHOR Page, C. N.
CALL NO QK494 P132e 2024eb
IMPRINT New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2024
[For MU Students and Staff can request here]
The arborescent gymnosperms are the most prevalent trees in one-third of the world’s forests, and have dominated the Earth’s forest ecosystems through much of evolutionary time. They encompass over 70 living genera and nearly 700 species of evergreen conifers and related trees, and include the largest and longest-lived organisms on this planet. This two-volume treatise provides detailed descriptions of each genus based on first-hand surveys of their structure, adaption, ecology, function and development. It also incorporates evidence from molecular studies, palaeobotany and environmental data to provide a holistic understanding of their overall evolution and diversity. Covering the world’s temperate and tropical forests, Volume 1 principally focuses on Northern Hemisphere genera while Volume 2 covers those with a predominantly Southern Hemisphere range. Together, the set provides a comprehensive, global reference for researchers in palaeobotany, plant science, geobiology, evolutionary biology, ecology and plant genetics, as well as arboriculturists and conservation managers.
- Can be used as a ready-reference to dip into for genus-specific information, as well as providing a full environmental-evolutionary survey
- Proposes a new holistic taxonomic structure, based on modern phylogenetic analyses
- Answers questions such as, how did these forests and their ancient components originate? how have they survived? and how can they be successfully preserved for the future?
