Historical Plant Geography An Introduction Routledge Library Editions: Ecology Series

Originally published in 1981 Historical Plant Geography is an introductory treatment of historical plant geography and stresses the basic theoretical frame of the subject. The book is about neither the study of vegetation nor the concept of the ecosystem, instead focusing on the much older tradition concerned with analysing the geographical distribution of individual species and natural plant groups. Important areas are discussed, such as global plate tectonics and sea-floor spreading, plant maps are introduced and there is a basic treatment of recent advances in plant taxonomy. The book will appeal to students and academics of geography, botany, ecology and environmental sciences.

Preface Acknowledgements List of Tables 1. Plants and Area Part I: Establishing Patterns of Distribution 2. Plant Collecting and Recording: The Taxonomic Basis of Plant Geography 3. Plant Maps 4. Patterns of Distribution Part II: Interpreting Patterns of Distribution 5. Origins, Boundaries and Disruptions 6. Evidence for Patterns of Distribution from the Past 7. Interpreting Disjunct Distribution Patterns 8. Interpreting Endemic Distribution Patterns 9. Genetics, Plant Geography and the Plant Kingdom Glossary Bibliography Index of Plant Names Subject Index