This completely revised, fourth edition of Introduction to Plant Population Biology continues the approach taken
by its highly successful predecessors. Ecological and genetic principles are introduced and theory is made accessible
by clear, accurate exposition with plentiful examples. Models and theoretical arguments are developed gradually,
requiring a minimum of mathematics.
The book emphasizes the particular characteristics of plants that affect their population biology, and evolutionary
questions that are particularly relevant for plants. Wherever appropriate, it is shown how ecology and genetics
interact, presenting a rounded picture of the population biology of plants.
Topics covered include variation and its inheritance, genetic markers including molecular markers, plant breeding
systems, ecological genetics, intraspecific interactions, population dynamics, regional dynamics and metapopulations,
competition and coexistence, and the evolution of breeding systems and life history. An extensive bibliography
provides access to the recent literature that will be invaluable to students and academics alike.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Variation and its inheritance in plant populations
3. Evolutionary and ecological genetics
4. Intra-specific interactions
5. Population dynamics
6. Dynamics of age-structured and stage-structured populations
7. Regional dynamics and metapopulations
8. Competition and coexistence
9. The evolution of plant life history: breeding systems
10. The evolution of plant life history: germination, growth, senescence and death