This book discusses the controversial and conflicting hypotheses on the origin of angiosperms, which was generally assumed to be restricted to the Cretaceous and later ages. Since publishing the first edition of “The Dawn of Angiosperms” in 2010, several important advances have been made in this field of science, namely 1) the discovery of new fossil angiosperms from the Jurassic; 2) European researchers discovering angiosperm-like pollen from the Triassic; and most importantly 3) the discovery of a perfect flower from the Jurassic. All of these findings are at odds with the currently widely accepted evolutionary theories, and thus call upon us to critically reassess botanical theory. Accordingly, the new edition of this book not only includes more new fossil taxa, but also documents them in greater detail and corrects many commonly held misconceptions. In so doing, it makes related studies and teaching on the early history of angiosperms more realistic, concrete, and tangible, providing concrete fossil evidence as the basis for future research, and helping to distinguish the most accurate botanical hypotheses.

This book was originally published in 1989. The dramatic radiation of the angiosperms towards the end of the Early Cretaceous initiated major changes in terrestrial ecosystems throughout the world. Dramatic changes in the flora and fauna were exemplified by the development of angiosperm-dominated plant communities and the rapid diversification of mammals, birds and insects. Written specifically for use by advanced undergraduate and graduate students, the book presents an overview of works on the origins of angiosperms and the ecological effects upon terrestrial life of their rapid radiation. It will be of particular value to students of palaeobiology and ecology, as well as to those studying evolutionary biology and systematics.

The enigmatic origins of the dominant flowering plant groups are reviewed in this book.

Australian Rainforest Woods describes 141 of the most significant Australian rainforest trees and their wood. The introductory sections draw the reader into an understanding of the botanical, evolutionary, environmental, historical and international significance of this beautiful but finite Australian resource. The main section examines the species and their wood with photographs, botanical descriptions and a summary of the characteristics of the wood. A section on wood identification includes fundamental information on tree growth and wood structure, as well as images of the basic characteristics. With more than 900 colour images, this is the most comprehensive guide ever written on Australian rainforest woods, both for the amateur and the professional wood enthusiast. It is the first time that macrophotographs of the wood have been shown in association with a physical description of wood characteristics, which will aid identification. This technique was developed by Jean-Claude Cerre, France, and his macrophotographs are included in the book.

A collection of papers reviewing selected conservation Lagerstätten for terrestrial animals and plants throughout the Phanerozoic worldwide. The synthesis details recent progress in documenting the biodiversity of such extraordinary fossil deposits and elucidating the geological conditions for and biogeochemical processes behind their formation.

This book, which contains 8 chapters, provides a framework for the general public, forest managers and policy makers to understand what factors need to be included when working towards using and protecting the world's forests so that they can be sustained. Topics covered include: historical perceptions and use of forests; the creation of today's forest landscapes by global societies; decision making related to forests becoming democratic and globalized; changing views about the ecology and conservation of forests; the historical and continuing impacts of human disturbances (i.e., air pollution, climatic change, salt injury, introduced plants, introduced insects, introduced pathogens, forest management activities and wars) on forests; the relevance of natural disturbances (i.e., wildfires, wind, extreme temperature and moisture, volcanic eruptions, pathogens, and insect and vertebrate pests) in maintaining sustainable forests; the relationship of human health to forest management; and the relationship among forests, humans and the carbon cycle. Case studies from Australia, Bolivia, Botswana, China, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and the USA, are also included.