Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants (Series of Books in Biology)

Dust jacket notes: In Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants you will find up-to-date discussions of classification and sexuality in ferns; of the physiology of the bizarre African desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis; and of fossil flowers from the Lower and Mid-Cretaceous eras. As useful and intriguing to the introductory botany or plant morphology student as to the interested reader, the third edition of this classic text offers completely current descriptions of the mature structure, organ development, reproduction, fossil record, phylogenetic trends, and interrelationships of every major vascular plant group. In revising and updating this extremely popular textbook, Ernest M. Gifford provides fascinating coverage of the most recent developments in: The origin of alternation of generations in the life cycle; Comparative embryogenesis in conifers; Comparative embryogeny of dicotyledons and monocotyledons; Angiosperm pollen and gymnosperm pollination biology. As well, readers are treated to a stunning art program, consisting of many new photographs and expertly revised and rendered drawings that visually depict plant form and structure. Ideal for text or reference, Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants offers a provocative journey through the world of vascular plants. And with its authoritative and accurate coverage, numerous beautiful illustrations, and remarkably clear writing style, the book that set the standard in vascular plant morphology now sets a higher one.