Introduction to Bryophytes

EAN: 9780521877121
Published 28/05/2009
Language: English

Bryophytes were a pivotal step in land plant evolution, and their significance in the regulation of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity is becoming increasingly acknowledged. This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of bryophyte biology, making it ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as amateur botanists. The authors expertly summarise the diversity of bryophytes and outline recent advances in our understanding of their evolutionary history, their ecological roles and preferences, their distribution patterns and conservation needs. The text is highly illustrated throughout, with boxed summaries of topics of current relevance in bryophyte biology, and a glossary of technical terms.

Preface
1. Evolutionary significance of bryophytes
2. Ecological significance of bryophytes
3. Liverworts
4. Mosses
5. Hornworts
6. Biogeography of bryophytes
7. Ecology of bryophytes
8. Physiological ecology of bryophytes
9. Bryophytes in a changing world
10. Conservation biology of bryophytes
Glossary
References
Index.