Possible largest-scale trends in organismal evolution: eight ''live hypotheses"
Article Abstract:
Eight candidates for rationales for trends found in organisms can be considered 'live hypotheses'. The hypotheses are giving rise to research on trends of very large scale, that is, energy intensiveness, entropy, developmental depth, evolutionary versatility, adaptedness, structural depth, complexity, and size. Conceptual challenges related to trend studies can be found in alternative bases for classifying trends, pattern vs dynamics; alternative modes for studying the trends of the greatest scale, skeptical vs exploratory; and evolutionary progress.
Publication Name: Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics
Subject: Environmental issues
ISSN: 0066-4162
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Pathways, mechanisms, and rates of polyploid formation in flowering plants
Article Abstract:
The origins of polyploidy have been studied and parameter values for each of the steps in the principal pathways quantified. Triploids were found not to be sterile. The triploid bridge pathway was found to be able to contribute significantly to autopolyploid formation no matter what the mating system. It can contribute also to allopolyploid formation in outcrossing taxa. The rate of autopolyploid formation may often be higher than the rate of allopolyploid formation.
Publication Name: Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics
Subject: Environmental issues
ISSN: 0066-4162
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Floral symmetry and its role in plant-pollinator systems: terminology, distribution, and hypotheses
Article Abstract:
A classification scheme for floral symmetry has been proposed. It is intended to resolve some confusion that comes from the inconsistent application of terms. Floral symmetry has been important in the study of animal behavior and pollination biology. The distribution of floral forms in angiosperm families has been reviewed and some theories causes of the evolution of floral symmetry substantiated..
Publication Name: Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics
Subject: Environmental issues
ISSN: 0066-4162
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Dietary conservatism may facilitate the initial evolution of aposematism. Maternal effects and offspring performance: in search of the best method
- Abstracts: Model selection in phylogenetics. The evolutionary ecology of gynogenesis. The evolution of polyandry: Sperm competition, sperm selection, and offspring viability
- Abstracts: The refuge as an integrating concept in ecology and evolution. Modes of speciation and the lifespans of species under neutrality: a response to the comment of Robert E. Ricklefs
- Abstracts: Application of sample selection model in estimating response functions for nitrate percolation. Nitrification in a vertically moving biofilm system
- Abstracts: Preserving the information content of species: genetic diversity, phylogeny, and conservation worth. Echinoderm larvae and phylogeny