Pollination Ecology and Evolution in Compositae (Asteraceae)

Download or read book Pollination Ecology and Evolution in Compositae (Asteraceae) written by M. S. Mani and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This text summarizes the results of studies on the pollination ecology of the unique family Compositae (Asteraceae). The complex structural and functional specializations of the capitulum (or head) for pollinator attraction and pollen transfer are described in detail. An attempt is made to identify the influence of these specializations on the development and the function of other floral parts. The remarkable sex polymorphism of the Compositae head, which has caused much confusion amongst students is traced to this influence and characterized as a secondary modification. The central concept in the book is taht pollination ecology is the guiding factor in Compositae evolution.