| Dispersal Biology of Desert Plants Contributor(s): Rheede Van Oudtshoorn, Karen Van (Author), Rooyen, Margaretha W. Van (Author) |
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ISBN: 3642084397 ISBN-13: 9783642084393 Publisher: Springer OUR PRICE: $237.49 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: December 2010 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | Life Sciences - Botany - Science | Life Sciences - Ecology - Technology & Engineering | Agriculture - Forestry |
| Dewey: 577 |
| Series: Adaptations of Desert Organisms |
| Physical Information: 0.54" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (0.80 lbs) 242 pages |
| Themes: - Topical - Ecology |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Dispersal processes have important effects on plant distribution and abundance. Although adaptations to long range dispersal (telechory) are by no means rare in desert plants, many desert plant species do not possess any features to promote dispersal (atelechory), while others have structures that hamper dispersal (antitelechory). The high frequency with which atelechorous and antitelechorous mechanisms are present in plants inhabiting arid areas indicates the importance of these adaptations. Among the benefits derived from these adaptations are the spreading of germination over time, the provision of suitable conditions for germination and subsequent seedling establishment, and the maintenance of a reservoir of available seeds (seed bank). This book describes the ways and means - anatomical, morphological and ecological - by which dispersal in desert plants has evolved to ensure the survival of these species in their harsh and unpredictable environment. |
