The field of plant taxonomy has transformed rapidly over the past fifteen years, especially with regard to improvements in cladistic analysis and the use of new molecular data. The second edition of this popular resource reflects these far-reaching and dramatic developments with more than 3,000 new references and many new figures. Synthesizing current research and trends, Plant Taxonomy now provides the most up-to-date overview in relation to monographic, biodiversity, and evolutionary studies, and continues to be an essential resource for students and scholars.
This text is divided into two parts: Part 1 explains the principles of taxonomy, including the importance of systematics, characters, concepts of categories, and different approaches to biological classification. Part 2 outlines the different types of data used in plant taxonomic studies with suggestions on their efficacy and modes of presentation and evaluation. This section also lists the equipment and financial resources required for gathering each type of data. References throughout the book illuminate the historical development of taxonomic terminology and philosophy while citations offer further study. Plant Taxonomy is also a personal story of what it means to be a practicing taxonomist and to view these activities within a meaningful conceptual framework. Tod F. Stuessy recalls the progression of his own work and shares his belief that the most creative taxonomy is done by those who have a strong conceptual grasp of their own research.
Author(s): Tod F. Stuessy
Edition: 2
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: xxvi+540
Tags: Biology Cell Developmental Entomology Marine Microbiology Molecular Biostatistics Biological Sciences Science Math Botany Ecology Taxonomic Classification Life Mathematics New Used Rental Textbooks Specialty Boutique
Preface to the first edition
Preface to the second edition
Acknowledgments for the first edition
Acknowledgments for the second edition
PART ONE. PRINCIPLES OF TAXONOMY
Section 1. The Meaning of Classification, by 1
, by Chapter 1. A few definitions
, by Chapter 2. The relevance of systematics
, by Chapter 3. The importance and universality classification
, by Chapter 4. Characters
Section 2. Different approaches to biological classification
, by Chapter 5. The anatomy of classification and the artificial approach
, by Chapter 6. Natural and phyletic approaches
, by Chapter 7. Phenetic approach
, by Chapter 8. Cladistic approach
, by Chapter 9. Evaluation of the three major approaches and explicit phyletics
Section 3. Concepts of Categories
, by Chapter 10. The taxonomic hierarchy
, by Chapter 11. Species
, by Chapter l2. Subspecies, variety, and form
, by Chapter 13. Genus
, by Chapter 14. Family and higher categories
PART TWO. TAXONOMIC DATA
Section 4. Types of data
, by Chapter 15. Morphology
, by Chapter 16. Anatomy
, by Chapter 17. Embryology
, by Chapter 18. Palynology
, by Chapter 19. Phytochemistry
, by Chapter 20. Cytology and cytogenetics
, by Chapter 21. Molecular biology
, by Chapter 22. Genetics and population genetics
, by Chapter 23. Reproductive biology
, by Chapter 24. Ecology
Section 5. Handling of Data
, by Chapter 25. Gathering and storage of data
, by Chapter 26. Presentation of data
Epilogue
Literature Cited
Author Index
Subject Index
