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Wildflower Genetics
A field guide to genetic variation in wildflowers, with examples from the Pacific Northwest.
215 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 28, 2022
It is probably in serious need of revision considering it is a book on wildflower genetics written in the 1980s, but it is very, very interesting and insightful for anyone wanting to (1) understand basic concepts of genetics and (2) learn more about some genetic oddities and research performed with PNW flora. Super accessible for anyone, regardless of expertise.
January 28, 2015
Concentrating on British Columbia, this book describes mutations found in native wildflowers.
Chapter 1 provides a bit of information on genetics and it's role in controlling variation in plants. A discussion on variation looks closely at environmental variation and developmental variation as well as genetic variation. Examples are given of environmental variation due to differences in nutrients, temperature (warmer conditions cause more anthocyanin, and a redder color), light, aquatic habitat, and the action of parasites. Examples of developmental variation include differences between juvenile and adult plants, and the sporadic occurrence of tricots. Genetic variation is illustrated by examining leaf-spotting and flower size in Blue-eyed Mary.
Chapter 2 discusses mutations. Of interest are white-colored or albino flowers. In red or blue flowers, the color results from anthocyanins produced by enzymes. If mutations change the enzymes, the anthocyanins may not be produced and white-colored flowers may result. Such mutations are usually recessive. In yellow flowers the carotenoid pigments are associated with chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Mutations affecting the production of carotenoid pigments often interfere with photosynthesis, and so albinos of yellow-flowered plants are rare. The remainder of the chapter describes various mutations found in B.C.
Chapter 3 discusses polymorphisms where a number of various forms exist in a population. Most mutations are eliminated in a population, because they are disadvantageous, because of probability in small populations, or because they are advantageous and eliminate the original plant. However, polymorphisms can be maintained due to variation in micro-habitats, selective predation, and other mechanisms. The chapter describes various polymorphisms found in B.C.
Chapter 4 discusses polymorphisms of the breeding system. Most plants are monoecious, having both male or staminate flowers and female or pistillate flowers. Fewer plants are dioecious, having the male and female flowers on both plants. The introduced White Cockle and all willows are examples. In gynodioecious plants, some portion of the populate are hermaphrodites, with flowers producing both pollen and ovules, while the remainder of the population is pistillate. As the pistillate plants contribute to the population only through their eggs, they would seem to be at a disadvantage and would be selected out. The pistillate plants have a counter-balancing advantage in that all of their offspring are the result of cross-fertilization which tends to make for hardier plants than the offspring of the self-fertilized hermaphrodites. In heterstyly, two polymorphisms exist around the style and stamen lengths. The pin form has long styles and short stamens, while the thrum form has short styles and long stamens. Bogbean is an example.
Chapter 5 discusses evolution through divergence. Plants that vary in characteristics geographically are recognized as taxonomic subspecies. In allopatric speciation, this divergence continues until the plants can no longer interbred and become separate species. Interspecific hybridization is discussed, with examples being crosses between Sitka and Yellow Columbine, and the two mountain heathers. Allopolyploidy where plants carry multiple sets of chromosomes is discussed with Bunchberry being an example.
Chapter 1 provides a bit of information on genetics and it's role in controlling variation in plants. A discussion on variation looks closely at environmental variation and developmental variation as well as genetic variation. Examples are given of environmental variation due to differences in nutrients, temperature (warmer conditions cause more anthocyanin, and a redder color), light, aquatic habitat, and the action of parasites. Examples of developmental variation include differences between juvenile and adult plants, and the sporadic occurrence of tricots. Genetic variation is illustrated by examining leaf-spotting and flower size in Blue-eyed Mary.
Chapter 2 discusses mutations. Of interest are white-colored or albino flowers. In red or blue flowers, the color results from anthocyanins produced by enzymes. If mutations change the enzymes, the anthocyanins may not be produced and white-colored flowers may result. Such mutations are usually recessive. In yellow flowers the carotenoid pigments are associated with chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Mutations affecting the production of carotenoid pigments often interfere with photosynthesis, and so albinos of yellow-flowered plants are rare. The remainder of the chapter describes various mutations found in B.C.
Chapter 3 discusses polymorphisms where a number of various forms exist in a population. Most mutations are eliminated in a population, because they are disadvantageous, because of probability in small populations, or because they are advantageous and eliminate the original plant. However, polymorphisms can be maintained due to variation in micro-habitats, selective predation, and other mechanisms. The chapter describes various polymorphisms found in B.C.
Chapter 4 discusses polymorphisms of the breeding system. Most plants are monoecious, having both male or staminate flowers and female or pistillate flowers. Fewer plants are dioecious, having the male and female flowers on both plants. The introduced White Cockle and all willows are examples. In gynodioecious plants, some portion of the populate are hermaphrodites, with flowers producing both pollen and ovules, while the remainder of the population is pistillate. As the pistillate plants contribute to the population only through their eggs, they would seem to be at a disadvantage and would be selected out. The pistillate plants have a counter-balancing advantage in that all of their offspring are the result of cross-fertilization which tends to make for hardier plants than the offspring of the self-fertilized hermaphrodites. In heterstyly, two polymorphisms exist around the style and stamen lengths. The pin form has long styles and short stamens, while the thrum form has short styles and long stamens. Bogbean is an example.
Chapter 5 discusses evolution through divergence. Plants that vary in characteristics geographically are recognized as taxonomic subspecies. In allopatric speciation, this divergence continues until the plants can no longer interbred and become separate species. Interspecific hybridization is discussed, with examples being crosses between Sitka and Yellow Columbine, and the two mountain heathers. Allopolyploidy where plants carry multiple sets of chromosomes is discussed with Bunchberry being an example.
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