Review by Choice Review
The invasion of land by plants is considered an important botanical event, and sets the ecological scene for the movement and diversification of land animals. Understanding the time of invasion, the plant taxa involved in the move to the terrestrial environment, and the subsequent diversification of land plants will contribute to an understanding of the evolution of plants and the development of terrestrial ecosystems. Kendrick and Crane have prepared a detailed cladistic study of early land plants. Because of the robust nature of the data presented, the reader must have considerable knowledge of the morphology and anatomy of extant and fossil plants, be cognizant of current theories on the origin of land plants, and have a good knowledge of cladistics. This book cannot be considered a general reader or resource for undergraduate students; even an advanced undergraduate may find it difficult to follow. Because the book is a detailed cladistic treatment of the plants involved in colonization of the terrestrial habitat, graduate students of botany, researchers, and professionals will find this treatise an excellent treatment of the subject; its wealth of hard data could add real substance to discussions of this important evolutionary event and identify and inspire future areas of investigation. A must read for professional paleobotanists and botanists. M. S. Zavada Providence College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
