{"product_id":"flowering-plants-evolution-above-the-species-level-9780674306851","title":"Flowering Plants: Evolution above the Species Level","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the worlds leading evolutionary biologists here reexamines the evolutionary history of flowering plants. This important book is the first to interpret the phylogeny of flowering plants in the light of modern knowledge about genetics  developmental biology  and ecology. Mr. Stebbins is concerned with the evolution of genera  families  and other higher taxa; his analysis is based upon a unified theory that identifies the same fundamental processes at work in the origin of both species and the broader taxonomic categories. He shows  however  that subspecific evolution depends primarily on the natural selection of vegetative characters  whereas the emphasis at the transspecific level is on reproductive characters. Major changes in evolutionary direction are interpreted as resulting from an interaction of environmental change and the inherent capacity of the organism to alter preferentially in some ways and not in others. The author facilitates this discussion by examining reversibility in certain simple evolutionary trends. After reviewing basic principles and exploring major patterns of evolution in flowering plants  Mr. Stebbins turns to their actual history. On the basis of a detailed analysis he concludes that the most primitive forms are not represented in any extant category and are not found in the fossil record. His work gives definitive weight to the researches of others who have postulated a monophyletic origin of the angiosperms from a single  extinct group. Although this beautifully illustrated volume will prove indispensable to botanists  it will be of great interest also to any student of evolutionary theory  theoretical biology  and ecology.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45652771274805,"sku":"ByrdShop_0674306856","price":234.56,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780674306851.jpg?v=1781852710","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/flowering-plants-evolution-above-the-species-level-9780674306851","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}