Plant Life (PDF)

There are almost one third of a million species of plants which
range in form from unicellular algae a few microns in diameter to
gigantic trees that can grow to a height of 100 meters. Plant Life
makes sense of the bewildering diversity of plants by treating them
not just as photosynthetic factories, but as living organisms that
are the survivors of millions of years of evolutionary struggle.
The book examines plants from an evolutionary perspective to show
how such a wide range of life forms has evolved and continues to
thrive.

The book is divided into three main sections. The first
introductory section sets out the necessary background of
evolutionary and taxonomic theory and introduces a classification
of living plants based on the ways in which they have evolved. The
second part investigates how the challenges of life in the water
and on land have led to the evolution of the major taxonomic groups
of the plants, and describes the key adaptations that have
contributed to the success of each group. The final section shows
how the contrasting environments of the world's major climatic
zones have led to the evolution of such different floras as those
of tropical rainforests, prairies and deserts. This section
introduces a fascinating range of plants with ingenious and often
bizarre methods of survival and reproduction.

The book is enriched by detailed case studies, points for
discussion and suggestions for further investigation. In addition,
extensive color plates and line drawings bring the world of plants
vividly to life. Clear classification charts and a full glossary
are also useful.

Plant Life is an essential elementary text for
undergraduate students and should prove a breath of fresh air for
jaded botanists who are accustomed to the traditional taxonomic
grind through the plant kingdom.

* * New, environmental approach in keeping with modern course
content.

* Beautifully written in a clear, concise and accessible
style.

* Extensive colour plates, electron micrographs and line drawings
bring the world of plants vividly to life.

* Uses carefully chosen examples of species in each group, so
that students are not overwhelmed with excessive information and
species lists.

* Discussion questions at the end of chapters encourages further
reading and provides essay topics for teachers.

* Clear classification charts and a full glossary provide useful
material for revision.