Tropical Fern Biology and Evolution
- 1st Edition - April 1, 2027
- Latest edition
- Editors: Daniele Cicuzza, Hongmei Liu, Harald Schneider
- Language: English
Tropical Fern Biology and Evolution is the first reference to focus on this important tropical flora. While other resources highlight the plants of temperate regions, this book f… Read more
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Description
Description
Tropical Fern Biology and Evolution is the first reference to focus on this important tropical flora. While other resources highlight the plants of temperate regions, this book focuses specifically on those of the tropics, where important insights have been discovered about phylogenetic relationship between several pteridophyte and lycophyte phylogeny, ecology and physiology. Ferns and lycophytes are vital elements of tropical ecosystems. They thrive in various environments, from the shaded, humid floors of terrestrial forests to the canopy, where epiphytic species have adapted to harsh ecological conditions. In regions of the tropics that have been impacted by human activity, ferns are crucial for colonizing extensive areas and preventing soil erosion. However, they can also hinder forest regeneration in certain contexts. Gaining insight into the structure, growth, and effects of these plants is essential for tackling the challenges and leveraging the benefits they present. Based on the latest research, Tropical Fern Biology and Evolution discusses their traits and community assemblies in the humid tropics and presents potential application uses for their phylogenetic information. Students and researchers will find this foundational information valuable as both an introductory guide to these tropical ferns and their characteristics, and as inspiration for further research and development of their potential in addressing environmental issues.
Key features
Key features
- Explores how Pteridophyte and Lycophyte species can contribute to forest restoration and conservation
- Focuses on tropical regions where the diversity of these vascular plants is highly concentrated but poorly known
- Includes strong evolutionary ecology components, providing insights for use in a tropical context
Readership
Readership
Graduate students and researchers in plant evolution and biology, environmental conservationists, educators of ferns and lycophyte studies
Table of contents
Table of contents
Part I: Fern Diversity and Distribution
1. Global Distribution of Ferns and Lycophytes—the tropical centres of their diversity
2. A phylogenetic perspective on the ecological disparity of ferns
3. Assembly of tropical Fern Diversity trough time with focus on SE Asia, Neotropics, Afromadasgacar
4. Latitudinal versus Altitudinal Diversity Gradients
PART II: Fern community and Abiotic interactions
5. Edaphic Factors in the upper Amazonas
6. Epiphytes
7. Community Assembly
PART III: Fern Biology
8. The Gametophyte Challenge
9. Water Balance and Photosynthesis
10. Animal Interactions
PART IV: Fern New methods and Future research
11. Endophytes — their hidden contribution
12. Ferns in Anthropogenic Habitats and management
13. Conclusion Glossary References Index
1. Global Distribution of Ferns and Lycophytes—the tropical centres of their diversity
2. A phylogenetic perspective on the ecological disparity of ferns
3. Assembly of tropical Fern Diversity trough time with focus on SE Asia, Neotropics, Afromadasgacar
4. Latitudinal versus Altitudinal Diversity Gradients
PART II: Fern community and Abiotic interactions
5. Edaphic Factors in the upper Amazonas
6. Epiphytes
7. Community Assembly
PART III: Fern Biology
8. The Gametophyte Challenge
9. Water Balance and Photosynthesis
10. Animal Interactions
PART IV: Fern New methods and Future research
11. Endophytes — their hidden contribution
12. Ferns in Anthropogenic Habitats and management
13. Conclusion Glossary References Index
Product details
Product details
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: April 1, 2027
- Language: English
About the editors
About the editors
DC
Daniele Cicuzza
Dr. Cicuzza is a Senior Assistant Professor at the University of Brunei Darussalam, and affiliated with the IBER (Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Research, UBD) as Curator of the Botanical Research Centre.
His research focuses on basic ecological questions such as the patterns of biodiversity and how anthropogenic activity influences it. He uses non-seed plant species as models to answer these questions. Recently, he has started a new research field on the structure and function of fern species in tropical ecosystems and how the structure and function allowed fern species to be successful taxa with a very ancient history.
He has expertise in
1) Academic Education,
2) Plant research
3) Botanic Garden Development and Curation.
In his activity as Curator of the first Brunei Darussalam Botanical Garden, he is interested in plant conservation, ex-situ project, and international collaboration to preserve the great plant biodiversity of the island of Borneo and its crucial ecosystem services for local communities.
He contributes to University education and citizen science projects in engaging the new generation in biodiversity and conservation projects to allow the new generation to recognize the great diversity and benefits that we obtain from plants, sometimes given for granted.
Affiliations and expertise
UBD University of Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri BegawanHL
Hongmei Liu
Hong-Mei Liu is a conservation ecologist with research interests in plant species reproductive ecology, species interactions, and the population dynamics and viability of rare and abundant species. The latter includes invasive species. The ultimate goal of her research is to generate insights into the species’ ecology to guide biodiversity conservation and management efforts.
Her current research focuses on the phylogenetic evolution of Pteridophyte plant species from temperate to tropical regions. I also study the population structure of rare endemic fern taxa, their dynamics, and conservation. she also focuses on the rapid assessment of plant diversity, using rapid DNA barcoding for conservation porpoises.
Affiliations and expertise
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, ChinaHS
Harald Schneider
Prof. Dr. Schneider studies evolution of land plants with focus on seed-free land plants in particular ferns and liverworts. In his research, he studies questions concerning the macro- and microevolution of land plants integrating phylogenetis and population genetics morphological and molecular evidence, extant and extinct taxa, biogeographic and ecological patterns, divergence time estimates. His current projects are summarized best as "Evolutionary Geobiology of Land Plants" and "Integrative Plant Taxonomy".
His research interests focus on macroevolutionary patterns and processes that shaped the patio-temporal distribution of biodiversity with special emphasise on seed-free land plants such as ferns and liverworts. Current research foci comprise studies that aim to elucidate evolvability of plant lineages in the context of morphological disparity, genome structure, polyploidy, reproductive biology, and trophic interactions. The research encompasses phylogenetics including molecular clock analysis and the integration of molecular and morphological evidence, evolutionary plant morphology and anatomy, palaeontology, taxonomy and systematics.
Affiliations and expertise
Prof. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Yunnan, China