The Ecology of Seeds

by Michael Fenner, Ken Thompson

Overview

How many seeds should a plant produce, and how often? Why and how are seeds dispersed, and what are the implications for the diversity and composition of vegetation? These are some of the questions tackled in this extensive review of the role of seeds in plant ecology. The text encompasses a wide range of concepts of relevance to plant ecology, reflecting the central role of seed ecology in clarifying many fundamental aspects of plant community function.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521653688
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/24/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.54(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.55(d)

About the Author

Michael Fenner is senior lecturer in ecology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK.

Ken Thompson is a research fellow and an honorary senior lecturer in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield, UK.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Life histories, reproductive strategies and allocation; 2. Pre-dispersal hazards; 3. Seed dispersal; 4. Soil seed banks; 5. Seed dormancy; 6. Germination; 7. Post-dispersal hazards; 8. Seedling establishment; 9. Gaps, regeneration and diversity; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Reading this book will provide a person with the background to proceed further into the seed ecology literature, and the references will point him/her in the right direction to do this. This book is an excellent starting point for those interested in seed ecology."
Jerry M. Baskin

"The Ecology of Seeds is written in a lively style, is well edited and attractively laid out, and is very readable. I highly recommend The Ecology of Seeds to anyone interested in seeds, germination ecology, and regeneration of plant communities."
Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society

"presents everything there is to know on seeds and their relationship to plant life, diversity, and ecology."
Connie Krochmal, editor of BellaOnline's Cacti and Succulents

"this is the best single introduction to the literature that we have, useful to students at all levels." ecoscience David F. Green, Concordia University

From the Publisher