Introduction to Bryophytes

Opens the door to the curious mind, inspiring students, from late undergraduates to post-doctoral researchers, to engage in bryological research.

Alain Vanderpoorten (Author), Bernard Goffinet (Author)

9780521700733, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 May 2009

328 pages, 82 b/w illus. 16 colour illus.
24.8 x 17.5 x 1.6 cm, 0.65 kg

"The text is very readable and assumes no prior knowledge of bryology..."
S.L. Timme, Choice Magazine

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.

Subject Areas: Plant ecology [PSTS], Botany & plant sciences [PST]