Description
"The present book is intended as a progress report on [the] synthetic approach to evolution as it applies to the plant kingdom." With this simple statement, G. Ledyard Stebbins formulated the objectives of Variation and Evolution in Plants, published in 1950, setting forth for plants what became known as the "synthetic theory of evolution" or "the modern synthesis." The pervading conceit of the book was the molding of Darwin's evolution by natural selection within the framework of rapidly advancing genetic knowledge.
At the time, Variation and Evolution in Plants significantly extended the scope of the science of plants. Plants, with their unique genetic, physiological, and evolutionary features, had all but been left completely out of the synthesis until that point. Fifty years later, the National Academy of Sciences convened a colloquium to update the advances made by Stebbins.
This collection of 17 papers marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Stebbins' classic. Organized into five sections, the book covers: early evolution and the origin of cells, virus and bacterial models, protoctist models, population variation, and trends and patterns in plant evolution.
Reviews
"...an excellent review of cutting edge research on the ever current role of variation in shaping the evolution of biological systems. ...Variation and Evolution in Plants and Microorganisms represents a fine contribution to evolutionary studies and could deservedly find its place in the library of any evolutionary biologist, next to Stebbins' Variation and Evolution in Plants."
-- Plant Systemics and Evolution, 2002
"This book does, of course, contain a number of excellent chapters, and is perhaps better regarded as a collection of contemporary research. ... Overall, I found it highly readable and enjoyable as a collection and an overview of a range of interesting work..."
-- Plant Science, Spring 2002
About the PDF: What am I Buying?
About Our PDFs
This book can be purchased as a computer file. The format of the file is called a "PDF". To open, view and print the file, you must have third party software (e.g. Adobe Reader or XPDF) installed on your computer.
Benefits of Buying a PDF
-
Instant. Buy it, download it immediately, and start reading.
-
Convenient. Download it to your laptop and read it whenever, wherever.
-
Searchable. Search for any word or phrase.
What are my options?
| If you want ...
| Then ...
|
| ... only a portion of the book | ... select a PDF Chapter |
| ... a computer file containing the entire book |
... buy a PDF |
| ... to read the book immediately and also own a copy for your bookshelf |
... buy the bundle |
| ... a copy for your bookshelf |
... buy the book |
Will my PDF be emailed to me?
No. After buying the PDF, we will email you instructions on how to download the file from our Web site. The PDF file will not be emailed to you.
See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information including: