Evolution and Speciation of Island Plants

Oceanic island archipelagos are profoundly interesting ecosystems in which to ask questions about evolutionary patterns and processes, and may rightly be considered as one of the best places on earth to seek an understanding of the origin and elaboration of biological diversity. This 1998 volume brings together contributions covering a range of important issues in contemporary oceanic island plant biology, focusing on patterns and processes in Pacific and other islands (with emphasis on the Bonin, Hawaiian and Juan Fernandez Islands) to provide a stimulating view of the state of research and a possible agenda for future investigations. Topics addressed include chromosomal variation, macromolecular divergence, island biogeography theory, isolating mechanisms, modes of speciation and evolution of secondary plant products, resulting in a volume which reveals the special opportunities offered by oceanic archipelagos for investigating evolutionary phenomena in vascular plants.

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Cover; Half-title; Title; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; List of contributors; Preface ; Acknowledgements ; Part one: Hawaiian Islands ; Introduction ; 1 Chromosome evolution and speciation in Hawaiian flowering plants. ; Abstract; Examples of chromosome variation in Hawaiian plants; Structural and dysploid evolution; Polyploid evolution; Examples of chromosome stasis in Hawaiian plants; The Hawaiian milieu.

Natural selection for chromosome evolutionThe basis of natural selection for chromosome evolution; Acknowledgements; Literature cited; 2 Evolution in the endemic Hawaiian Compositae. ; Abstract; Phenotypic diversity within endemic Hawaiian Compositae; Evidence for origin and monophyly of Hawaiian Compositae groups; Evidence of high genetic similarity within lineages of species; Breeding system evolution; Accelerated radiation and phenotypic disparity among lineages; Importance of hybridization in evolution.

Future prospects for evolutionary studiesAcknowledgements; Literature cited; Part two: Juan Fernandez Islands ; Introduction ; 3 Isolating mechanisms and modes of speciation in endemic angiosperms of the Juan Fernandez Islands. ; Abstract; The angiospermous flora; Isola…