This book constitutes a unique, encyclopedic reference work that systematizes and categorizes for the first time in such comprehensive fashion all known fern spores. The dominant feature of the work are the over 350 plates of electron micrographs showing the morphological characteristics of typical representatives of each spore type. The purpose of the book is to provide a complete survey of the available data on the fine structure and composition, development, and evolu- tionary significance of different types of spore walls, which have proven resistant to fossilization throughout geological ages. The classification system developed by the authors as the result of many years of research will be a point of reference, if not "the" systematic basis, for all future publication on the subject. The book will be of great interest to all botanists and evolutionary biologists working with spores and/or ferns, but it will also be of major importance to paleobotanists, palynologists, stratigraphers, and exploration geologists, since the focus of this treatise is on spores as highly adapted and longlived reproductive forms.

This well timed volume features a selection of chapters composed by experts in their respective fields. It covers a broad range of topics, from its fundamental biology to the fern’s population genetics and environmental and therapeutic applications.

This encyclopedia offers access to the diversity of ferns and seed plants, the most important groups of green land plants. Available information of general and systematic relevance is synthesized at the level of families. Evidence from virtually all disciplines important to modern taxonomy makes the work a most valuable source of reference not only for taxonomists, but for all who are interested in the various aspects of plant diversity. A revised classification includes a complete inventory of genera along with their diagnostic features, keys for identification, and references to the literature. The first volume deals with pteridophytes and gymnosperms.

Contents: Introduction, Origin and Evolution of Pteridophytes, Psilophyta, Lycopodium, Selaginella, Equisetum, Ophioglossum, Pteridium, Marsilea, Azolla.

An informative, innovative and comprehensive text on the subject, the second revised edition of the book offers a coherent account of various aspects of pteridophyta, in the light of new findings. It covers the entire course of reading on the subject for BSc and MSc degrees.

This encyclopedia offers access to the diversity of ferns and seed plants, the most important groups of green land plants. Available information of general and systematic relevance is synthesized at the level of families. Evidence from virtually all disciplines important to modern taxonomy makes the work a most valuable source of reference not only for taxonomists, but for all who are interested in the various aspects of plant diversity. A revised classification includes a complete inventory of genera along with their diagnostic features, keys for identification, and references to the literature. The first volume deals with pteridophytes and gymnosperms.