Understanding Flowers and Flowering

Flowers are the beautiful and complex reproductive structures of the angiosperms, one of the most diverse and successful groups of living organisms. The underlying thesis of this book is that to fully understand plant development (and why flowers differ in shape, structure and colour), it is necessary to understand why it is advantageous for them to look like they do. Conversely, in order to fully understand plant ecology, it is necessary to appreciate how floral structures have developed and evolved. Uniquely, this book addresses flowers and flowering from both a molecular genetic perspective (considering flower induction, development and self-incompatibility) and an ecological perspective (looking at the selective pressures placed on plants by pollinators, and the consequences for animal-plant co-evolution). Understanding Flowers and Flowering, the first edition of which won BES Marsh Book of the Year in 2009, begins by considering the evolution of flowers and the history of research into their development. This is followed by a detailed description of the processes which lead to flower production in model plants. The book then examines how flowers differ in shape, structure and colour, and how these differences are generated. Finally it assesses the role of these various aspects of floral biology in attracting pollinators and ensuring successful reproduction. This new edition has been completely revised and updated to reflect the latest advances in the field, especially an increased understanding of the evolution of floral traits. New chapters consider the genetic basis of the floral transition in diverse species, as well as the evolutionary lability of floral form. There is a new focus throughout on both phylogenetic position and morphological diversity across the angiosperm phylogeny. Understanding Flowers and Flowering continues to provide the first truly integrated study of the topic - one that discusses both the how and why of flowering plant reproductive biology. Review from previous edition Flowers and Flowering is a well written text that would well serve undergraduates, early graduate students , or anyone with a solid biology background who is interested in floral biology. BioScience Now updated, with new insights, it is an even better book. Virtually every page gives fascinating insights, from the genetic control of flower induction and the development of gametophytes, to ideas of how and why flowers have different shapes, colours and fragrances. This is a fascinating read. BES Bulletin ...a very carefully written, detailed and up-to-date book. It can be recommended as a text book for courses at the master's level and for PhD courses alike. It can also help the specialist to get a quick overview about expanding field. Finally, it is a great pleasure to read just for the love of flowers! Plant Molecular BiologySECTION I: INTRODUCTION ; 1. The Evolution of Flowers ; 2. Historical Interpretations of Flower Induction and Flower Development ; SECTION II: THE MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF FLOWERING: INDUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT ; PART A: INDUCTION OF FLOWERING ; 3. Flower Induction in Arabidopsis thaliana ; 4. The Autonomous Pathways for Floral Inhibition and Induction ; 5. The Photoperiodic Pathway of Floral Induction ; 6. The Vernalization Pathway of Floral Induction and the Role of Gibberellin ; 7. Integrating the Arabidopsis thaliana Flower Induction Pathways ; 8. Flower Induction Beyond Arabidopsis thaliana ; PART B: DEVELOPMENT OF FLOWERS ; 9. Changes at the Shoot Apical Meristem in Response to Floral Induction ; 10. Development of the Floral Organs ; 11. The ABC Model and the Diversity of Plant Reproductive Structures ; 12. Function and Development of Gametophytes ; 13. Outcrossing and Self-fertilization ; SECTION III: POLLINATION SUCCESS: MOLECULAR AND ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS ; PART A: HOW AND WHY DOES FLORAL FORM VARY? ; 14. Why Are Flowers Different? Pollination Syndromes-The Theory ; 15. Diverse Floral Shape and Structure ; 16. Colouring the Flower ; 17. Enhancing Flower Colour ; 18. Lability of Floral Form ; PART B: THE INFLUENCE OF POLLINATORS ON FLORAL FORM ; 19. Are Flowers under Selective Pressure to Increase Pollinator Attention? ; 20. Do Pollinators Discriminate between Different Floral Forms? ; 21. Pollination Syndromes - The Evidence