Plants: Diversity and Evolution

This book provides a readable introduction to plant structure and diversity for those embarking upon the study of botany. For students it provides a refreshing and distinct account, seeing the plant and its environment not as separate entities but as parts of an evolving whole. A major theme is origin and development of plant form. The evolution of the algae is described as prefiguring many of the variations exhibited by plants. The various reproductive strategies in sex and dispersal for life on land are explored in detail. An up to date account of the phylogeny of plants is provided. Plants are placed in the context of their environments and their communities. The relationship of plants and humans is discussed; plants as a source of food, materials, and inspiration. Finally it reviews the development of plant sciences providing an historical context. The book is richly illustrated with colour photographs and diagrams.