Evolutionary Biology: A Plant Perspective

Mitchell B. Cruzan explores the unique evolutionary processes that have shaped plants from their origins early in life’s history. The book delves into specific plant characteristics, such as a multicellular haploid phase, hermaphroditism, self-fertilization, and reliance on photosynthesis for energy, which fundamentally differ from those found in other organisms. These distinctive traits influence mutation fate, selection dynamics during the haploid life stage, genetic variation distribution within populations, and overall patterns of diversification.

Cruzan discusses contemporary topics like population genetics, phylogeography, phylogenetics, ecological genetics, and genomics to provide a comprehensive understanding of plant evolution. The content is designed for advanced courses in plant biology, offering insights into the unique biological features that affect evolutionary processes in plants.