The Power of Movement in Plants

by Charles Darwin

Overview

Written in collaboration with his son Francis, a notable botanist, this 1880 book builds on Darwin's earlier investigations into climbing plants, orchids, insectivorous plants, flower variety, and the processes of fertilisation. This detailed study of many species from seed to mature plant further develops Darwin's work on adaptation and evolution, with the aim of collating the results of individual studies into common factors applicable to plants in general. Particular emphasis is given to analysis and investigation of the process here termed circumnutation, the movement of the stem of the plant in order to direct the head in certain directions. This is seen as of paramount importance, with the conclusion that it is modification of this feature that has enabled plants to adapt and evolve so diversely. The authors also note similarities between plants and animals, such as sensitivity to touch and habit of action at certain times.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783368272739
Publisher:	Outlook Verlag
Publication date:	10/03/2022
Pages:	606
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Charles Robert Darwin, FRS FRGS FLS FZS (12 February 1809 - 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. He established that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors and, in a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding.

Date of Birth:

February 12, 1809

Date of Death:

April 19, 1882

Place of Birth:

Shrewsbury, England

Place of Death:

London, England

Education:

B.A. in Theology, Christ¿s College, Cambridge University, 1831

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The circumnutating movements of seedling plants; 2. General considerations on the movements and growth of seedling plants; 3. Sensitiveness of the apex of the radicle to contact and to other irritants; 4. The circumnutating movements of the several parts of mature plants; 5. Modified circumnutation: climbing plants, epinastic and hyponastic movements; 6. Modified circumnutation: sleep or nyctitropic movements, their use, sleep of cotyledons; 7. Modified circumnutation: nyctitropic or sleep movements of leaves; 8. Modified circumnutation: movements excited by light; 9. Sensitiveness of plants to light: its transmitted effects; 10. Modified circumnutation: movements excited by gravitation; 11. Localised sensitiveness to gravitation and its transmitted effects; 12. Summary and concluding remarks; Index.