Structure-Function Relations of Warm Desert Plants

Structure-Function Relations of Warm Desert Plants

Author: Arthur C. Gibson

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 3642609791

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For centuries biologists have been extremely interested in the structure of desert plants as examples of natural selection to harsh environmental conditions. Indeed, desert plants are frequently used as examples in many biology classes and textbooks to illustrate natural selection, but this has led to an unfortunate litany of errors and misconceptions about desert plant adaptations. This new synthesis focuses on plants of lowland tropical and subtropical arid deserts. Readers will be surprised to discover that many features commonly ascribed to desert plants are rareley observed in the most common species. Instead, the typical structural adaptations of nonsucculent warm desert plants are now viewed as ways to maximize photosynthetic rate.


Progress in Botany

Progress in Botany

Author: Ulrich Lüttge

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-10-01

Total Pages: 403

ISBN-13: 3642387977

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With one volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of the plant sciences. The present volume includes reviews on genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and vegetation science.


Plant Roots

Plant Roots

Author: Amram Eshel

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 848

ISBN-13: 1439846499

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The decade since the publication of the third edition of this volume has been an era of great progress in biology in general and the plant sciences in particular. This is especially true with the advancements brought on by the sequencing of whole genomes of model organisms and the development of "omics" techniques. This fourth edition of Plant Root


Integrative Plant Anatomy

Integrative Plant Anatomy

Author: William C. Dickison

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2000-04-26

Total Pages: 557

ISBN-13: 008050891X

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From this modern and profusely illustrated book, the reader will learn not just the basics, which are amply reviewed, but also how plant anatomy is integrated with a wide variety of other disciplines, such as plant breeding, forensic analysis, medicine, food science, wood and fiber products, and the arts. The author presents the basic concepts and terminology of plant anatomy with a special emphasis on its significance and applications to other disciplines, and addresses the central role of anatomy by consolidating previously scattered information into a single volume. Integrative Plant Anatomy highlights the important contribution made by studying anatomy to the solutions of a number of present and future problems. It succeeds in integrating diverse areas of botany, as well as the non-biological sciences, the arts, and numerous other fields of human endeavor. - Presents both the classical and modern approaches to the subject - Teaches the importance of the subject to other disciplines such as the nonbiological sciences, the arts, and other fields of human endeavor - Written and organized to be useful to students and instructors, but also to be accessible and appealing to a general audience - Bridges the gap between conventional textbooks and comprehensive reference works - Includes key terms and extensive additional readings - Richly illustrated with line drawings and photographs


Life at Extremes

Life at Extremes

Author: Elanor Bell

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 576

ISBN-13: 1845938143

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From arid deserts to icy poles, outer space to the depths of the sea, this exciting new work studies the remarkable life forms that have made these inhospitable environments their home. Covering not only micro-organisms, but also higher plants and animals such as worms, fish and polar plants, this book details the ecological, biological and biogeochemical challenges these organisms face and unifying themes between environments. Equally useful for the expert, student and casual scientific reader, this book also explores the impact of climate change, rapid seasonal changes and pollution on these extraordinary creatures.


Plant Responses to Hyperarid Desert Environments

Plant Responses to Hyperarid Desert Environments

Author: Monier M. Abd El-Ghani

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-11-10

Total Pages: 601

ISBN-13: 3319591355

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This book provides a comprehensive discussion on plant responses in hyperarid regions of Egypt, China, Mexico, and Pakistan. It describes their location, physiographic features, accidental vegetation along two transects, endangered vegetation species, human impact, and variety of plant types (e.g. climbing, succulent, and parasitic). Studies on biotic and abiotic interactions, plant biodiversity, and soil-plant relationships are also covered. Covering a wide range of plant conditions and adaptations, this book analyzes what happens when plants must endure very high temperatures and aridity. Plants have adapted by evolving their physical structure to store and conserve water. Examples are the absence of leaves which reduces transpiration and the growth of extremely long roots, allowing them to acquire moisture at, or near the water table. Plants in hyperarid habitats have also made behavioral adaptations in order to survive by synchronizing with the seasons of greatest moisture and/or coolest temperatures. For example, desert perennials remain dormant during dry periods of the year, then spring to life when water becomes available. The book includes many color illustrations, and has extensive and up-to-date references for further reading.


Dispersal Biology of Desert Plants

Dispersal Biology of Desert Plants

Author: Karen van Rheede van Oudtshoorn

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-09

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 3662035618

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Dispersal processes have important effects on plant distribution and abundance. Although adaptations to long range dispersal (telechory) are by no means rare in desert plants, many desert plant species do not possess any features to promote dispersal (atelechory), while others have structures that hamper dispersal (antitelechory). The high frequency with which atelechorous and antitelechorous mechanisms are present in plants inhabiting arid areas indicates the importance of these adaptations. Among the benefits derived from these adaptations are the spreading of germination over time, the provision of suitable conditions for germination and subsequent seedling establishment, and the maintenance of a reservoir of available seeds (seed bank). This book describes the ways and means - anatomical, morphological and ecological - by which dispersal in desert plants has evolved to ensure the survival of these species in their harsh and unpredictable environment.