Origin and evolution of gymnosperms /

Internationally recognized experts for the various groups of fossil gymnosperms (naked-seeded plants), their possible ancestors, and relatives have provided a major summary of current understandings and interpretations of these woody plants of land that underwent major diversification from early Pennsylvanian to late Triasic times. This is the only extensive treatment of these fossils. Much more attention has been devoted to flowering plants and their possible origin and evolution. Using techniques that include detailed anatomical, palynological, and cladistic phylogenetical analyses, the authors provide a framework for interpreting the origin (or origins) and changes through time and possible relationships of these plants, four groups of which now survive, only the conifers being a major component of the world's vegetation. This book, primarily written for other paleobotanists, will be difficult for others to follow completely. However, it will show that recent studies and techniques are providing new understandings of the evolution of an important plant group. Only libraries with advanced readers interested in paleontology will find this book necessary. -E. D. Rudolph, The Ohio State University