The Families of the Monocotyledons: Structure, Evolution, and Taxonomy - Hardcover

Inhaltsangabe

In this book we present an integrated account of the monocotyledons. The classification is supported by an extensive character analysis and by evolutionary models constructed on the basis of this analysis. An assessment of the character states as either primitive or derived, in the monocotyledons as a whole and in their constituent groups, is presented. These parts of the book have their forerunners in The Monocotyledons. ; a Comparative Study (DAHLGREN and CLIFFORD, 1982) and in Monocotyledon Evolution: Characters and Phylogenetic Estimation (DAHLGREN and RASMUSSEN, 1983). Thus the presentation gives great weight to evolutionary considerations. We have aimed at doing away with old heterogeneous families, and arranging the new, smaller and more homogeneous ones according to their presumed relationships. Most taxonomists may regard us as "splitters". We believe, however, that a concept of Amaryllidaceae, for example, which includes Amaryllidaceae sensu stricto, Ixioliriaceae, Agavaceae pro of no help to the botanist seeking to recognize parte, and, perhaps, Alstroemeriaceae, is natural and comprehensible groups, and that it will prevent him from perceiving the evolutionary pathways which have led to the families and their genera. Again, it is certainly of no advantage to unite Liliaceae, as circumscribed here, with Alliaceae, Hya cinthaceae, Asphodelaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, Convallariaceae, Trilliaceae and other elements, if at the same time the Liliaceae are kept distinct from, for example, Alstroemeriaceae, Iridaceae or Philesiaceae.

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