Understanding Flowers & Flowering, 2nd Edition

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.

Table of Contents

SECTION I INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1 The Evolution Of Flowers
Chapter 2 Historical Interpretations Of Flower Induction And Flower Development

SECTION II The Molecular Mechanisms of Flowering: Induction and Development
Chapter 3 Flower Induction In Arabidopsis Thaliana
Chapter 4 The Autonomous Pathways For Floral Inhibition And Induction
Chapter 5 The Photoperiodic Pathway Of Floral Induction
Chapter 6 The Vernalization Pathway Of Floral Induction And The Role Of Gibberellin
Chapter 7 Integrating The Arabidopsis Thaliana Flower Induction Pathways
Chapter 8 Flower Induction Beyond Arabidopsis Thaliana
Chapter 9 Changes At The Shoot Apical Meristem In Response To Floral Induction
Chapter 10 Development Of The Floral Organs
Chapter 11 The Abc Model And The Diversity Of Plant Reproductive Structures
Chapter 12 Function And Development Of Gametophytes
Chapter 13 Outcrossing And Self-Fertilization

SECTION III Pollination Success: Molecular and Ecological Interactions
PART A How and Why Does Floral Form Vary?
PART B The Influence of Pollinators on Floral Form