Bookreviews

419

BOOKREVIEWS A. Dafnl: POLLINATION ECOLOGY: A PRACTICAL APPROACH; The Practical Approach Series, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1992, xvi + 256 pp., ISBN 0-19-963298-7 Over the last decade pollination ecology has been rapidly integrated into a balanced perspective of plant life history phenomena, plant demography and other areas of plant-animal interaction. This book provides a manual of updated methods and procedures with special emphasis on techniques that are applicable in field studies using the minimum possible equipment. The book is divided into seven chapters. Appendices give accurate information about some techniques and reagents, and a basic literature list. Each chapter gives the theoretical framework and a comprehensive account of the techniques used, with critical comments. All the chapters are accompanied by tabular surveys. The book begins with notes on functional floral morphology and phenology. The chapters Breeding systems and Pollen and stigma biology summarize and evaluate the most important topics of plant reproduction, i.e. examination of breeding systems, pollen viability, stigma receptivity and pollen tube growth. A short part devoted to mating patterns and sexual selection (which is not the main subject of this book) is important. A number of pre- and postzygotic phenomena in higher plants are today interpreted in these terms. Nevertheless, many procedures mentioned are useful in such studies, e.g. prezygotic mate selection, short- and long-term delays of fertilization, "pollen population effect" (the minimum number of pollen grains required to effect fertilization) or, shortly, in all projects aimed at exploring the possible adaptive bases of some aspects of plant reproduction. Two later chapters deal with advertisement (visual and olfactory) and rewards in flowers. The methods used in the study of nectar volume and concentration as well as nectar constituents (sugars, amino acids, iipids, etc.) are discussed in detail. These common nectar variables are not only relevant to pollination but some of them (e.g. amino acid content) can be an important factor in revealing the relationships between some taxa. The chapter Plant-pollination interface gives methods for investigating such phenomena as pollination efficiency, floral constancy, competition for pollination and methods for recording pollinator behaviour on flowers. This is an extremely interesting chapter. The final chapter calls attention to abiotic pollination. One negative remark only. The text is not well arranged. In my opinion, protocols are not suitable for inclusion in a theoretical framework. This book addresses at least two audiences: botanists with an interest in reproduction biology, and zoologists with an interest in plant-animal interactions. It is not only an excellent survey of methods, but also reflects the complexity of this field. It is worth reading.

Jindflch Chrtek Jun.

S.K. Jain & L.W. Botsford: APPLIED POPULATION BIOLOGY; KluwerAcademic Publishers, Dordrecht, 1992, 295 pp., ISBN 0-7923-1425-5 This book was derived from a series of seminars held at the University of California, Davis, during 1986 (notable delay!). One of its aims is very clear, as expressed by the editors in the last chapter" "... to address the problem of the perceived lack of success in solutions to practical problems in population biology..." but the topics included "... do not provide comprehensive coverage of all fields in which population biology is applied." The contributors are experienced researchers in their fields. The first chapter (written by the editors) includes a concise and clear overview of the history of population biology and population genetics, a discussion of the problems of applying principles, and short abstracts of chapters 2 to I I. The latter two points are somehow repeated in the last chapter (we would have preferred to see more of a conclusion in the last chapter and less of it in the first one). The range of applications of population biology included in this book is, indeed, broad.

420

Bookreviews

Chapter 2 (A.D. Bradshaw) refers to land restoration or rehabilitation (or partial restoration) after man-related disturbance. The importance of soil characteristics and natural succession for the planning of land restoration is the core of this chapter which, although dealing only tangentially with population biology, has an interesting content. Chapters 3 (P.W. Hedrick) and 4 (R.V. Kesseli) describe those factors affecting genetic variability and survival probability in animal and plant populations respectively and address the problems faced by conservation biologists. Both of them give examples of application to rare species (captive mammals and birds in the first and natural populations, mostly Limnanthes in the second) and include the mathematical basis for the models currendy used for studying minimum viable populations. The same practical problem of species conservation is treated in Chapter 10 from a more biogeographical viewpoint; habitat fragmentation, extinction probabilities and the design of nature reserves are discussed both theoretically and with actual species numbers. The topics of population biology applied to weed and pest control, respectively, are tackled in Chapters 5 (S.C.H. Barrett) and 9 (W.W. Murdoch). Chapter 5 goes through the reproductive and genetic features of weeds and describes cases of the noxious weeds Eichhornia crassipes and Echinochloa spp. Finally, it mentions the possible application of our knowledge of population genetics to the control of weeds. Chapter 9 concentrates on the application of Nicholson-Bailey models of parasitoid-pest interactions to practical situations. After describing the theory of biological control, cases in which this theory can he tested are analysed: insect pests controlled by parasitoids and plants controlled by insects. The importance of factors increasing stability (and therefore reducing the efficiency of biological control) and the need for further theoretical development are stressed. Chapter 6 (S.K. lain) concerns species breeding in agriculture. It includes a description of the methods currently used and emphasizes the importance of "emulating" natural systems while genetically improving agricultural systems. Chapters 7 (A.P. Dobson & P.J. Hudson) and 8 (G. Smith) deal with particular cases of endoparasites of species of interest to man. However, the stress differ: the effect of the parasite on the population of the host in chapter 7 and the reduction of the reproductive rate of the parasite and the infection of the host in chapter 8. The latter also examines why mathematical models are ineffective in practical situations. Chapter 11 (CJ. Waiters) discusses the usefulness of fishery management tools in the decision-making process. The main approaches used in gathering information for fishery management are briefly dealt with and real and common situations in which the predictions of management policies are usually not met are referred to. It is perhaps because of the contrast between the generality of the title and the specificity of the main goal of this book that many of the species mentioned for one reason or another in different chapters of the book do not appear in the index. We must really criticize the lack of criteria for indexing species: in some cases only the common names are indexed (sometimes followed by the Latin name); in some other cases the Latin name is indexed separately. In general terms, the contents of this book may attract researchers interested in very different aspects of the application of population biology and, especially, population genetics (which is stressed in several chapters). The title, however, is more general than the content, which could mislead potential buyers looking for a book on the rules of applied population biology. Considering the diversity of situations encompassed by this book (and their respective mathematical models), it is likely that a particular reader may only be interested in two or three chapters (apart from the initial and the last chapters which are of general interest). After reading the first chapter we are left with the idea that it is still early for such a book.

Javi~r Puntleri & Petr Pyirmk D. Futuyma & J. Antonovics [eds.]: OXFORD SURVEYS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY. VOL. 8; Oxford University Press, Oxford, 392 pp. Price GBP 55.- (hardback), ISBN 0-19-507623-0 This volume of the Oxford Studies in Evolutionary Biology presents an array of essays and review articles addressing various attractive topics in modem evolutionary biology. The introductory chapter, written by Professor Ernst Mayr, contains the author's personal reflections on the development of evolutionary thought for more than halfa century, and tackles such basic and timeless questions as the essence and current importance of evolutionary synthesis, the species concept, speciation and the origin of reproductive isoladou, macroevolution, natural selection and its targets. This article will certainly interest and amuse every biologist and historian of evolutionary biology.

Bookm~ews

421

The chapter by Michael J. Wade discusses Wright's conviction of the reality and importance of gene interactions, and attempts to test his shifting balance theory. It is concluded that a number of requirements and predictions of this theory still await empirical investigation. Coevolution among competitors, the frequency of its occurrence, and its influence on the structure of communities are the questions posed in Mark L. Taper and Ted J. Case's chapter. Empirical evidence is rapidly mounting that character displacement can affect community structure in important ways. Much confusion about appropriate modelling techniques has been cleated up, and the thrust of research in this field will shift from trying to demonstrate or disprove the existence of character displacement to investigating more quantitative and mechanistic questions. Evidence of DNA variation in humans is examined in the chapter by Wen-Hsung Li and Lori Sadler. Owing to the curiosity of humans about their own past, the history of Homo sapiens has received more attention in terms of the application of recombination DNA techniques. The questions of the existence of substantial bottlenecks in population size, and the geographical origin and dispersal of modem human populations are particularly studied in molecular research. It is extremely interesting to see whether the results of DNA studies will be confirmed further in paleontological records. Evolutionary studies on cultivated rice and its wild relatives are reviewed by Hiroko Morishima, Yoshio Sano and Hiko-Ichi Oka with the aim of exploring some implications of rice evolution from the viewpoint of genetics and ecology. James D. Bever and Francois Felber's article on population genetics of autopolyploidy emphasizes novel features of gene frequency dynamics in polyploid populations. The authors conclude that basic questions about the origin, maintenance and evolution of polyploid populations are still unaddressed, in spite of much descriptive work undertaken on this problem. Further attention to theoretical analyses of these important evolutionary processes thus seems desirable. A causal analysis of stages in allopatric speciation is presented by Warren D. AIImon. Many familiar elements of evolutionary theory are organized into a three-stage framework of isolate formation, persistence, and differentiation. This approach may provide a better understanding of several major evolutionary and ecological issues, and offers an explicit device for the identification of possible relationships between adaptation and speciation. Islands represent useful settings for "'natural" evolutionary and ecological experiments. The chapter by V. Louise Roth is devoted to inferences from allometry and fossils, exemplified in a fascinating phenomenon of dwarfism in island populations of extinct elephants. The author shows how even seemingly immovable morphological features can evolve rapidly under changed circumstances. Morphology as the study of form and function is the theme of the next chapter by Marvalee H. Wake. The ways that morphologists are contributing to the potential for an expanded evolutionary synthesis are demonstrated in several examples of research. A new view of the explanatory power of morphology is emerging, and shows how the tensions between Neo-darwinism and stmcturalism might be resolved. The final essay of this volume, by A.E. Douglas, surveys the role of symbiosis in evolution. The article explores the significance of symbiosis as a source of new capabilities, with special emphasis on endosymbiosis. The central position is that symbiosis with microorganisms is a key means by which eukaryotes gain genetically and bincbemically complex metabolic capacities. The acquisition of symbionts has provided strong selection pressure for substantive morphological and biochemical changes in the eukaryotic hosts. Volume 8 of the series of Oxford Surveys in Evolutionary Biology continues the style set by its predecessors, and its contents are stimulating for discussion and progress in various topical areas of evolutionary biology.

Jan Zima

C.B. Cox & P.D. Moore: BIOGEOGRAPHY. AN ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH; Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford etc., 1993, 326 pp. Price GBP 16.50, ISBN 0-632-02967-6 The fifth edition of this successful textbook, the first edition of which appeared in i 973, is to a large extent changed to reflect major changes in biogeography since that time, as is evident from the number of examples and concepts from current literature included. A short introduction is followed by Chapter 2 (Biodiversity) which discusses such questions as how many species there are, what are the main large-scale spatial patterns among organisms, how does diversity change during the course of succession, etc.

422

Bookreviews

Chapter 3 (Patterns of distribution) considers the mechanisms of limitation of distribution of organisms, with examples of organisms possessing cosmopolitan and broad geographical distribution and analyses of adaptations causing their success. Chapter 4 (Communities, ecosystems and biomes) outlines the ecosystem, global community and biome concepts, and the method of Walter climate diagrams as a tool for explanation of their distributions is introduced. This chapter also contains brief descriptions of 10 main biomes. An introduction to evolutionary biology is presented in Chapter 5 ('I'ne source of novelty), starting with fundamentals of the Darwin Theory, through the principles of evolution at population level to the process of speciation. Some examples of evolutionary adaptations of organisms to various environments are also given. Chapter 6 (Islands and oceans) deals with particularities of island biota. It contains an outline of the Theory of Island Biogeography, but objections to it are also discussed. The importance of islands for adaptive radiation is pointed out, supported by many examples. Chapter 7 (Patterns in the past) is focussed on the development of patterns of life since the Early Devonian, the earliest time at which such patterns may first be discerned. Great emphasis is placed on plate tectonics and movements of continents as mechanisms responsible for generating patterns. Stress is especially laid on the early spread of mammals, the great Cretaceous extinction event, the rise of Angiosperms and Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic climatic and corresponding floral changes. In Chapter 8 (Patterns of life today), large-scale patterns of distribution of mammals and flowering plants are described, supplemented with maps of faunal and floral regions of the world, and the geography of these two groups is compared, seeking explanation of differences in the history of their dispersal. Then, Cenozoic historical biogeography resulting in the present-day patterns is considered for the world's main biogeographical regions. Chapter 9 (Interpreting the past) demonstrates various methodological approaches to historical biogeography, e.g. taxou-area cladograms, analyses of comparisons of distributional patterns of organisms, endemicity, fossils etc. Chapter 10 (Ice and change) is devoted to Quarternary biogeography, beginning with an outline of methods to study Quartemary changes in climate and patterns of distribution of organisms. Special attention is paid to the history of the last glacial and hypotheses concerning the causes of glaciation. The closing chapter (From the present into the future) summarizes postglacial history of Nature, the spread of taxa, the emergence of modern humans and their environmental impact. The threat that we pose to our planet's biota and climate is emphasized in an analysis of current climatic change and in some predictions of changes in biogeographical patterns due to it. The virtue of this book is its clear narrative style and the explanations using a number of examples from all the world, with balanced proportions between those from the plant and animal kingdoms. It may be surprising that the book contains a minimum of mathematics, even where one could expect it, especially in outlines of some quantitative approaches, e.g. in the case of the Theory of Island Biogeography. Similarly, biologists may consider some parts of the book commonplace, e.g. that dealing with basic principles of evolution. But it was probably the authors' good intention to write a lucid book which will he ideal not only for students of biology, but also for students of geography, environmental sciences etc. It is also possible for university teachers to design courses according to this book. The authors absolutely succeeded in this task.

Milan Chy1~ M. Moser & W. J~lich (in collaboration with C. Furre~iogas): FARBATLAS DER BASIDIOMYCETEN. COLOUR ATLAS OF BASIDIOMYCETES. 10. LIEFERUNG; G ~ m v Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, 1992. Price DEM 92.-, ISBN 3-437-30720-7 The authors continue their publication of colour plates with diagnoses of genera and valuable comments on generic delimitation. The text often includes original ideas as well as lavish reference to the latest literature. Sometimes, however, faults can be found in the dating of certain works, evidently typographical errors: Anastomaria RAFIN. 1820 (not 1920), Uloporus QUILL. 1886 (not 1986) and Campbellia (COOKE) MASSEE 1890 (not 1980). In Dermoloma (LANGE)SING. ex HERINK, the date of publication (1959) is completely

Bookm~ews

423

missing. Regarding the colour photographs of fungi, most of them are of rather good quality and may well serve for identification. Among the best portrayed species for instance, are Agrocybe molesta (= A. dura), CoUybia cookei, C. putiUa, Cortinarius mucosus, Melanoleuca granunopodia, M. verrucipes and others, while Pleurotus pulmonarius, Chrysomphalina chrysophylla (picture above), Clitocybe rivulosa, Gymnopilus sapineus, Lepista nuda, Melanoleuca cognata etc. are rather poor, or poor. The insertion of a number of very rare, little known, critical or otherwise interesting fungi is to be highly appreciated. These are Clitocybe subsalmonea, C. josserandii, C. strigosa, CoUybia loiseleurietorum, C.

filamentosa, C. distorta, C.fodiens, Dermoloma pragensis, D. pseudocuneifoliurn, Galerina cedretorum, Lepista ricekii (incorrectly spelt L riceckiO, L. tomentosa, and L multiforme (for which the correct grammatical ending of the epithet is multiformis as the generic name Lepista is feminine). The taxonomic evaluation of some fungi is debatable. According to our observations in the field for many years for instance the fungus, depicted and named Pleurotus ostreatus f. carpathicus (FR.) PILAT, is only a white or pale form of P pulmonarius (FRO Quit.. and cannot therefore be classified as a form of P. ostreatus. The correct author citation for Agaricus carpaticus is "FR. in KALCHBR. 186T' (FRIF,S in KALCltBRF2,1NER), not solely FRIES; moreover, the correct form of the epithet in this case is carpaticus (not carpath/cus) - see Math. Term.-Tudom. K6zl. 5: 256, 1867. Czech mycologists usually recognize two closely allied but independent species of Collybia, viz. C. asema and C. butyraceae, which differ from each other in the colour and thickness of the pileal surface; transitional forms are not known. The validly published name Dermoloma pragensis KUBIg:KA is treated in the reviewed book as a nomen nudum. Nevertheles. it was validly published with diagnostic characters in Latin - see short Conspectus specierum generis Dermoloma in ~es. Mykol. 29: 31, 1975 (where the paper of M. SVR(~K 1966 is also cited containing a full description of the fungus in German) and where the type specimen was not only designated but also simultaneously published. The name Dermoloma pragensis KUBI~KAis, therefore, validly published.

Frantitek Kotlaba & Zden~ Pouzar G.P. Chapman & W.E. Peat: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GRASSES (Including bamboos and cereals); C.A.B. International, WaUing[ord, Oxon. Price GBP 9.95, USD 19.-, ISBN 0-85198-803-2 This textbook is written in response to the changes in grass biology during the last 25 years, especially in the taxonomy and photosynthesis of grasses. New knowledge is presented as an introduction, followed by some recommended literature. The book contains 88 pages of text, "'A critical glossary of the grasses", "Recommended further reading", references and index. The text is well-arranged with charts, drawings and photos and it is easy to read. The first chapter "'The grass family" explains what we know about the origin of grasses. The fossils are not yet satisfactory for reconstruction of the phylogenesis and the question of how primitive (or advanced) bamboos are raised. Present world-wide distribution and the importance of the grass family is due to features of their life cycle especially suitable for human needs. In Chapter 2 "Vegetative development and diversity", the grass "seed", caryopsis, leaves, stems, roots, branching and vegetative reproduction and their variation are described. An extreme reduction of generative reproduction is shown on examples of some weedy grasses and Phragmites australis in the British Isles. Chapter 3 is devoted to "The grass inflorescence and its function". The panicle is considered to be a typical grass inflorescence, also in Phleum and Alopecurua. The spikelet, the floret, pollination, fertilisation and the role of self-incompatibility are explained. The spikelets of the examples from 13 tribes are described in detail in Chapter 4 "Diversity in the grass spikelet". In Chapter 5 "Taxonomy" there is a modern assessment of grasses, recognizing five major subfamilies (Bambusoideae, Arundoideae, Pooideae, Chlorioideae, Panicoideae), and a reference to the latest work in this field, the computer database of WATSON & DAU.WlTZ (1992). The terms tribes, genera and species are explained by the evolution and chorology of the grasses. "Photosynthetic diversity" is discussed in Chapter 6. Both C3 and C4 types and three variants of Ca cycle (PEP-CK, NADP-ME, NADME), joined with a different vascular

424

Boo~e~ews

bundle anatomy, can be found in grasses. An example of an "intermediate" between C3 and C4 is Panicurn milioides. The evolution of C4 photosynthesis in grasses is also mentioned. In Chapter 7 "Reproductive diversity" chromosome numbers in grasses, cleistogamy, apomixis and outbreeding are analysed. Chapter 8 is called "Grasses in cultivation". Several bamboo chimaeras, mutants, cereals and non-cereal grasses are described and their domestication, use, prospects and genetic conservation are suggested. Weedy grasses, their possible cultivation and control and major grass weeds are discussed in the last Chapter 9 "Cnasses as weedy colonists". Special attention is paid to sociological (e.g. Imperata cylindvica or Cynodon dactylon in tropics) and genetic (Sorghum verticilliflorum, Arena fatua) re-assessment of some weeds. The textbook will be a useful guide in grass biology for students of agriculture or biology.

K I ~ ~JmskJ

Kowarik: EINFUHRUNG UND AUSBREITUNG NICHTEINHEIMISCHER GEHOLZARTEN IN BERLIN UND BRANDENBURG UND IHRE FOLGEN FOR FLORA UND VEGETATION. EIN MODELL FOR DIE FREISEI-glJNG GENTECHNISCH VER.~NDERTER ORGANISMEN; Verhandlungen des Botanischen Vereins von Berlin und I.

Brandenburg, Beiheft 3 (1992), 188 pp., 39figs. (incl. diagr., map.), 32 tab. et tab. !-3. The introduction and dissemination of foreign woody plants and their naturalization have already begun to interest specialists in all European countries. The author of the book reviewed, Professor I. Kowarik, has for a long time dealt with the question of the spreading and naturalization of these woody plants. In his book he has summarized and evaluated present knowledge of these problems in the territory of West Berlin and Brandenburg. Though the exact number of introduced woody plant taxa in the territory under study is not known, it may be assumed that about 3 150 taxa of foreign woody plants cultivated in Germany have been found in the region of Brandenburg, too. Since in earlier floras the cultivation and spontaneous occurrence of these woody plants were not distinguished, the starting point for data evaluation of their spontaneous spreading in Berlin and Brandenburg is the year 1787, i.e. the publication of Willdenow's Flora. Since that year until 1990, 210 spontaneously reproducing foreign ornamental woody plant taxa have been recorded in this region, one third being trees, almost two thirds shrubs, and 4% woody lianas. The significance of Berlin as an introduction centre for these plants is clear from the total number of 182 taxa ascertained here, which far exceeds the number in the rest of Brandenburg. One half of all woody plant taxa spreading spontaneously here come from North America and East Asia. The author presents a survey of the time sequence of spreading of these plants arranged according to the regions of their natural occurrence. Evidence of generative, exceptionally of vegetative reproduction was used as a criterion for spontaneous spreading. The success of the spontaneous spreading of woody plants is evaluated first of all on the basis of their capacity to penetrate into little dismr~d near-natural ecosystems, according to the time difference between the introduction and the onset of spontaneous spreading (time-lag), according to their influence on changes in the species composition of various biotope groups, the capacity of these woody plants to form dominance stands, and changes in the composition of populations. In many cases, the determination of the time-lag may be very questionable, because single introduced specimens in parks and gardens were often involved, where careful maintenance of the ground prevented the spontaneous spreading of the plants. Moreover, it is almost impossible to determine the date of their first introduction, after a longer interval. The time-lag of individual woody species is very variable (8 - 388 years, in the analyzed set of foreign woody species averaged over 147 years). For example, the ascertained time-lag for the black locust in the territory under study was 152 years, for Acer aegundo 183 years, for Prunus serotina only 29 years (doe to its cultivation in safe sites analogous to its natural habitats). The data on the mass spreading of some foreign woody plants into newly arisen federal sites after the war with new competence conditions (e.g. Ailanthus altissima, Acer negundo, Robinia pseudacacia) are also interesting. Marked differences have been found in the estimation of the capacity of foreign woody species to colonize sites damaged to a various degree. In little-damaged near-natural, and anthropogeneous sites, the occurrence of foreign woody plants with spontaneous spreading is markedly lower than in damaged and heavily damaged sites.

Bookreviews

425

The spreading of numerous foreign woody plants has been markedly manifested in the change of the dendroflora in Berlin - the number of spontaneously growing foreign woody plants is about double that of native species. It is also interesting to assess the number and quantity of foreign plants in various biotope groups (from typically urban, heavily damaged habitats to more or less natural wetlands with woody plant stands). The number of these woody plants, it is true, was found to be higher in all types of urban biotopes. However, as regards quantity, native trees are still predominant everywhere, but foreign shrubs are more abundant in specifically urban than in native biotopes. Estimating the capacity to form dominance stands it has been found that foreign woody species are able to assert themselves after a longer time (here after about 40 years) against the competitive pressure of native woody plants. In total, 25 introduced trees and shrubs formed dominance stands; the most frequent was Robinia pseudacacia, followed - after a great interval - by Clematis vitalba, Populus x canadensis and P. a/ba (occupying 1 percent of all woody plant area); Prunus mahaleb, Ailanthus altissima, Hippopha~"rhamnoides, Acer negundo, and Syringa vulgaris formed larger stands only locally. The capacity of foreign woody plants to change the species composition and stand structure was evaluated by comparative analysis of the most abundant pioneer woody plants, viz. the native Betula pendula and the North American black locust. According to the author the foreign woody plants are able to change substantially both the structure and the floristic composition of the stands. In birch stands, the species of the foregoing succession stages are felt considerably. On the contrary, the succession in black locust stands corresponds well with the facilitation model of CONNELL& SLATYER(1977): the immigration of other species is possible only after the habitat has been changed by pioneer species (in this case by the black locust). It has been found that the black locust can form dominance stands for a much longer time than in its original North American distribution area, where it is replaced as soon as after 10-20 years by other woody plants. Though it may be assumed that in mesophilous forest sites the black locust will be suppressed by the native woody plants; from the very flexible reproduction strategy of this species in its stands permanent, though low representation in the subsequent stands is to be expected. This book is accompanied by a number of instructive tables, diagrams, figures, and maps. The voluminous list of references gives primarily papers dealing with the territory of Germany and of English speaking countries. However, important sources from many neighbouring East European countries could have also been included: from the Czech Republic and Slovakia e.g. the papers by A. M. SVOBODA(1976, 1981, Studie (~SAV, Praha; 1990 and 1991, Folia Dendrol., Bratislava) with a detailed survey of introduced woody plants, furthermore the book by F. BEN~A'I" (1982 - Atlas ro~frenia cudzokrajn~ch drevfn..., Bratislava). The importance of these sources is clear since in several cases an earlier year of introduction to Bohemia has been proved, than that previously given for the whole of Europe (cf. SVOBODA 1976: 24, also 1981: 22). The well-arranged book by I. Kowarik can initiate further detailed studies of the spontaneous spreading of foreign woody plants in territories which have hitherto been little investigated from this viewpoint.

Zdlmka Net~slov~ Ph. Stoutjesdijk & J.J. Barkmant: MICROCLIMATE, VEGETATION AND FAUNA; OPULUS Press AB, Uppsala 1992, 216 pp., 67 Figs., 43 Tables. Price SEK 230.- (for members of the IAVS: SEK 190.-), ISBN 91-9716-222-1 This book is a translation by Marijke and Eddy van der Maarel, of the "Mikmklimaat, vogetatie en fauna" (J.J. Barkman and Ph. Stoutjesdijk) published by Pudoc, Wageningen. The Netherlands, 1987. It is divided into five main chapters: I) Introduction, 2) Microclimate: principles and processes, 3) The influence of vegetation on microclimate, 4) The biological significance of the microclimate for plants and animals and 5) The analysis of the microclimate. It closes with an epilogue, references, a list of symbols, general index and index of Latin names. The book is information-rich and presents a summary of present knowledge of the causal correlation between microclimate and live organisms: "'The present book is about the biological aspects of microclimate and its variation in horizontal and vertical directions" (p. 11 ). The introduction defines the terms vegetation, macro-, meso- and microclimate. The second chapter deals

426

Bookreviews

with the energy balance of a dry surface, solar and heat radiation, heat transfer to the air, air humidity, evaporation, thermal properties of the soil and soil surface and special information about the situation at night, the influence of wind, snow and inclination. The following chapter describes the energy and water balance of the vegetation, the relation between vegetation and microclimate generally, the microclimate of forests, heathland, juniper scrub, grassland and vegetation edges and gaps. Special aspects of the microclimate of some different vegetation types are shown in comparison with other ecological factors. Such terms as microclimatologieal grassland types or temperature mosaic represent open concepts not known up to the present/ The fourth chapter gives the correlations between temperature and air humidity and living organisms with the special aspects of some themes: evaporation and transpiration, the heat and water budget of vascular plants, poikilothermic and homoiothermic animals. The remaining part of this chapter discusses resistance and preference, phenological aspects, and the influence of microclimate on the texture and structure of vegetation. Very interesting are the short essays on leaf size, leaf consistency and leaf inclination. The last chapter deals with methods of investigation (objects, choice of measurement points, location and number, time of measurements, etc.), instruments and investigation techniques (measurement of temperature, air humidity, radiation, heat flow and wind) and the use of models. The book includes rich references, indexes and many instructive figures and tables. It is very well presented by the publishers and can be recommended to all interested in modern methods in the ecology of plants and animals.

diFiKolbek A. Fahn & D.F. Cutler: XEROPHYTES (Handbuch der Pflanzenanatomie, Vol. 13, Pars 3); Gebriider Borntraeger 1992, Berlin et Stuttgart, 170 pp., 90 Figs. and 20 Tabs. Price DEM 124.-, ISBN-3-443-14019-X This volume of the "Encyclopedia of plant anatomy" deals with the morphological and anatomical adaptation and life strategies of plants of arid, semiarid and saline territories. In the introduction these territories are characterized primarily by limited precipitation often combined with high temperatures as far as the climatic factor is concerned. Arid regions show a mean annual precipitation below 200 mm. Semiarid regions have a higher mean annual precipitation but show a distinct dry period during summer. Saline soils represent a special case of edaphically conditioned physiological drought owing to a higher content of sodium salts (or ions). The main text is divided into two parts. In the first part, the different types of xerophytes are defined on the basis of morphological features and dispersal mechanisms. Two main groups of plants are distinguished: (1) drought-escaping plants - ephemerais (primarily annual plants) and (2) drought resistant plants (mainly perennials) which have developed special morphological structures both in below-ground and above-ground organs. The second part of the main text is the core of the book, describing the anatomical characters of different plant organs. This part is introduced by a survey of anatomical xeromorphic features associated with the xeromorphy of plants. The chapters which follow treat the anatomical xeromorphic characteristics of photosynthesizing organs and of the plant axis. Succulent plants, CAM and C4 plants are mentioned here. A chapter on adaptations to salinity closes this part. The concluding chapter summarizes briefly the strategies and adaptations helping xerophytes to survive in the unfavourable environmental conditions of arid, semiarid and saline regions. In these "Concluding remarks" xerophytes are divided into two categories: 1. ieaf-xeromorphic xerophytes and 2. axis-xeromorphic xerophytes. Halophytes are mentioned as a special category having many adaptations similar to those of xerophytes. References, an author and subject index, as well as an index of plant names accompany the text. The book provides concise information on the features and ecological properties of xerophytes for students of vegetation and landscape ecology, as well as for specialists in natural conservancy and the management of these special habitats.

Jaroslav Moravec

Bookm~ews

427

Schmeil- Fitschen: FLORA VON DEUTSCHLAND UND ANGRENZENDER I.~,NDER (89., neu bearbeitete und erweiterte Auflage von K. Senghas und S. Seybold); QueUe et Meyer Verlag, Heidelberg-Wiesbaden, 1993, 802 pp., 1241 Figs. Price DEM 45.-, ISBN 3-494-01210-5 Two new authors lead the relatively large group of botanist-specialists in this new, rewritten and enlarged issue of the well-known German determination handbook. Under the editorial quidance of the two editors mentioned above 28 botanists of high reputation have followed very carefully the traditional form of this pocket determination handbook. New additional taxonomic and nomenclatural remarks apply to 420 taxa, of which 29 are genera, 312 species and 79 subspecies. The keys for determination are very specific for this handbook since they are dichotomous and associated, emphasizing the intelligible and unambiguous differential morphological characters and sometimes with illustration of important morphological features. It is well-known that terminological intelligibility is the prerequisite for the efficient function of the key; with the dichotomous keys. one of the main rules is the preservation of contra-characters: the characters ought to exclude each other completely and undoubtedly. A certain tolerance in the mutual exclusion of morphological characters is acceptable only with some critical genera or aggregated species and this fact may then he compensated by comparison of a whole set of characters. I assume that the selection of characters in this popular handbook corresponds to the manner of its use, e.g. that the characters used are suitable for field determination, at most with a magnifying glass. When the processes of determination for particular genera of different families are compared, we soon conclude that the most efficient structure of the key has the lowest number of decisions at the points of junction. All the above mentioned prerequisites are met by the "Schmeil - Fitschen" key. Moreover, taxonomical innovation and the resulting nomenclatorical modification makes this handbook an invaluable source of key information on both wild and grown vascular plants in the extensive German-speaking European region. The survey of bibliography of basic floras of both the particular states of Germany and neighbouring countries is very important as well as the list of protected species including the endangered ones. It is possible to conclude that this issue serves as an example of an extraordinarily efficient handbook where the traditional scheme is deliberately enriched with new information. Bohdan KY~sa

J.H.M. Thornley & I.R. Johnson: PLANT AND CROP MODELLING (A Mathematical Approach to Plant and Crop Physiology); Clarendon Press, Oxfrod, 1990. XV + 669pp. Price GBP 75.-, ISBN 0-19-854160-0 To my mind the authors come pretty near the truth when they themselves characterize their book as a "textbook of physiology, although not of the traditional type". Only remains to he added that it is an excellent textbook, indeed. It is intended for plant biologists wishing to learn how to transform their ideas into mathematical models which allow verification through comparison with experimental data. Each of the nineteen chapters of the book is devoted to one well defined group of problems and gives the reader the background necessary for an independent solution of his own problems. The book is divided into three parts. Part I (General topics) presents in seven chapters the principles of model building such as: principles of dynamic modelling, various methods of numerical solution of differential equations, units and conversion factors, enzyme kinetics, plant growth functions, transport processes, temperature effects, biological switches and models of development. It is clear that the explanation of so many themes cannot follow all the details but all elements necessary for understanding parts two and three of the book are dealt with satisfactorily. Throughout the book, the understanding of the subjects explained is supported by exercises attached to each chapter. The core of the book is formed by the ten chapters of Part II entitled Plant and crop physiology. Each chapter in this part gives a detailed analysis of one of the components used in the construction of models. Thus, e.g. the following topics are treated: light relations in canopies, leaf and canopy photosynthesis, plant respiration and growth energetics, biochemical approaches to plant growth, transpiration and crop water relations, crop

428

Bookreviews

responses to factors introduced by farming technology and root growth. Part HI entitled Plant morphology stands somewhat alone. As the authors state themselves, they have included this chapter because it is only a matter of time before morphological features are included more explicitly in plant and crop models and because the problems themselves possess considerable interest. The book offers the reader a remarkable number of solutions for various models. Its main value is, however, not in the collection of ready made recipes but in the inspiration it offers. It suggests appropriate approaches to various types of problems and teaches the reader how to extend and modify them according to this own needs. To take profit from the book deep knowledge of mathematics is not required. The book is designed for possible home study and the reader is assumed to be familiar with elements of calculus, differential equations and algebra at the level of an introductory university course. The book can be recommended to all research and advisory workers, graduates and students in plant sciences who are interested in biological modelling.

Jan Simmer K.

Faegri:

BESTIMMUNGSSCHLUSSEL

FOR

DIE

NORDWESTEUROP~,ISCHE

P O L L E N F L O R A ; G. Fischer, Jena, Stuttgart, New York, 1993, 85 pp., Price DEM 48.-, SFR 53.-,

ISBN 3-334-60439-X Identification keys of pollen and spores are desirable and necessary aids for all palynologists. Especially beginners in palynoiogy will appreciate general keys not restricted to special problems of particular families or pollen types, such as this publication. The handbook includes a translation of the key from the Textbook of Pollen Analysis (FAEGRI & IVERSEN 1989) and morphological notes from the same source. The morphological terminology follows only that of Faegri and Iversen's school, G. Erdtman's system is not involved. This eliminates complications with numerous synonyms and homonyms formed during the parallel existence of both schools. The key deals with the northwest European pollen flora including pollen of cultivated plants, long-distance transported pollen and some pre-Pleistocene pollen grains (e.g. Ephedra, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Zea, Taxodiaceae). The extensive spectrum of palynomorphs (Spermatophyta pollen, Pteridophyta and Sphagnum spores) makes the key usable both for paleo- and actuopalynology in Central Europe. The key itself is introduced by a chapter referring to types of exine sculptures and ends with a morphological glossary. Both of these chapters are rich in illustrations, and the terminology being defined precisely overcomes the ambiguous concepts used in pollen morphology so far. The register of taxa and pollen types facilitates quick orientation in the key. When starting identification, the taxonomic relationships of the pollen grain are usually unknown. However, this key can be succesfully applied in such cases, because it is based on purely morphological characteristics, unlike other keys. The result of identification is a palynomorph classification to a taxon or pollen type, which is usually charted on the page margin. The figures suggest a closer explanation of morphological terms and help to eliminate major mistakes. The illustrations, in general, can be considered as the most valuable attribute of this key. Lists of intratype taxa are located directly in the text and refer to the most important representatives of the type. The user will start identifying from the Hauptschliissei (master key), which enables preliminary determination according to a basic palynomorph physiognomy. The master key refers to the finer key composed of several tables. For more advanced users, the finer key is completed by five special keys of Cyperaceae, Poaceae,

Plantaginaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Rosaceae. All keys may be applied without previous experience or exclusive facilities. A light microscope with a good resolution and a phase contrast are sufficient for palynomorph identification according to this key. The design of the handbook and the technical requirements for the user predetermine its primary role for first-degree knowledge of pollen grains and spores. It deals with the elementary framework of NW European pollen flora, needing more advanced and precise identification by means of detailed keys and photograph atlases. Type slides, as in all pollen and spore keys, are a necessity.

Bookm~ews

429

To conclude, the handbook does what the authors claimed in the introduction: it offers an entry to practice and to the ample palynological literature.

REFERENCES FAEGRI K. & IVERSEN J. (1989): Textbook of Pollen Analysis. 4th ed. - J. Wiley, Chichester.

Moda Vlifi/ikovll D. A. Falk & K. E. Holsinger [eds.]: GENETICS AND CONSERVATION OF RARE PLANTS; Oxford University Press, New York, Oxford, /991, 283 pp., Price GBP 35.-, ISBN 0-19-506429-1 This book presents the modern approach and current research results in population biology and genetics with reference to conservation of rare and endangered plants. It contains 14 scientific papers originally presented at aConference on the Genetics and Conservation of Rare Plants coordinated by the Center for Plant Conservation and held at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis in March 1989. The book is divided into 4 parts, with an appendix and bibliography. Part I "Population biology and genetics of rare plants" comprises 4 papers; S.C.H. Barrett and J.R. Kohn in their article discuss the ecological causes of small population size. Great attention is paid to a description of the fundamental principles of the genetics of small populations. L.F. Hnenneke focuses on the ecological role of genetic diversity. She reviews evidence concerning the relevance of genetic variation to the ecology and persistence of plant populations, to develop conservation strategies for rare plants. The application of minimum viable population theory to plants is discussed in the article by E.S. Menges. The paper by K.S. Bawa and P.S. Ashton is concerned with the phenomenon of rarity in tropical lowland forest. Particular types of rarity and their genetic consequences are discussed and special attention is given to the conservation of rare tropical plants. Pan 2 "Distribution and sampling of genetic variation" deals with the conservation of genetic diversity. J.L. Hamrick, M.J.W. Godt, D.A. Murawski and M.D. Loveless summarizing and analyzing recent knowledge of the allozyme variation in plants, show that generalizations derived from the allozyme literature can be used to develop strategies for the conservation of genetic diversity. They state that allozyme markers can also be used to indicate changes of genetic variation within populations under in situ or ex situ management. Different modes of breeding systems in rare plants and their impact on genetic variation are discussed by J.D. Karron. A.D.H. Brown and J.D. Briggs focused on six fundamental questions about sampling strategies for genetic variation in ex situ collections of endangered plant species - What taxa? When and where to collect? What type of propagule? What type of individual? How many individuals in the sample? How many populations should he sampled? Pan 3 "Management and assessment of off-site collections" contains only two papers. The following methods for assessing genetic variation are critically discussed in the article by B.A. Schaal, W.J. Leverich and S.H. Rogstad: measuring of morphological variation; determination of allozyme variation by means of allozyme electrophoresis, analysis of variation in DNA through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLPs). The paper by S.A. Eberhart, E.E. Roos and L.E. Towill deals with various strategies for long-term ex situ preservation of seeds and other forms of plant germplasm. The final Part 4 "'Conservation strategies for genetic diversity" gives a synthesis of the preceding papers, and an interpretation of their meaning for conservation. The first article of this chapter - by C.]. Millar and W.J. Libby - deals with some conservation strategies for widespread species. This contribution concludes with a five-point program that integrates on-site and off-site approaches, techniques of reintroduction and habitat management. With regard to conservation of the biological diversity of rare plants the phenomenon of hybridization is discus~d by L.H. Rieseherg. Three case studies are intended to he show the impact of hybridization on the microevolutionary processes proceeding in populations of rare plants (Cercocarpus traskiae, Helianthu~ paradoxu~', H. exilis). In the paper by A.R. Templeton, knowledge of captive animal breeding is given in relation to ex-situ breeding of endangered plant species. KE. Holsinger and D.L. Gottlieb review the main ideas and conclusions given in the preceding papers and offer a set of recommendations for the protection of genetic diversity in rare plants. Information about a well-organized plant conservation program in California

430

Bookreviews

has been also included. This chapter concludes with the very interesting paper"Joining biological and economic models for conserving plant genetic diversity" by D.A. Falk. The appendix "'Genetic Sampling guidelines for conservation collections of endangered plants" developed by the Center for Plant Conservation follows. This part will be welcomed by readers in conservation practice. The book concludes with a very rich bibliography, which consists of some 850 individual references! This very useful book is much recommended for anyone concerned with the nature protection. It will be welcomed by all readers interested in modern methods of population biology and genetics in relation to conservation strategies for rare plant species.

Jitka ~t~nkovtt Edward J. Klekowski, Jr.: MUTATION, DEVELOPMENTAL SELECTION AND PLANT EVOLUTION; Columbia University Press, New York, 1988, 11 + 373 pp. ISBN 0-231-06528-0 Efforts are still growing to bring developmental biology into the body of modem neodarwinism. Despite current progress within developmental biology, its direct implications for evolutionary science are often unclear. Hence, E.J.Klekowski's somewhat unorthodox approach to this problem should be really welcome. The book focusses primarily on vascular plants. The results, however, can provide a general concepeaal frame for analogous studies of other multicellular organisms. The book is written in a readable style, not overloaded with mathematical apparatus. Diverse experimental and observational data (stemming from the large amount of literature utilized) and simple mathematical models are conveniently used to illustrate interactions between stabilizing and disruptive forces in plant ontogeny. Mutations are considered a primarily disruptive factor and buffering of them a crucial task for plants. This topic is discussed at various hierarchical levels of vascular plant organization. Generally, the leading theme (and the major contribution) of the book is the fate of mutated plant cells within the context of developmental processes. In the introductory part, the concept of developmental selection is viewed as a modern reformulation of Weissmann's germinal or histonal selection, though Weissmana is not directly quoted here. The author stresses correctly that there is no necessary association between cellular and organismic fitness. Possible interaction between developmental and organismic selection is discussed throughout the book. In the following chapter ("Uncertainty in heredity") a wide range of mutational processes in a broad sense are surveyed. Phenomena of great interest for virtually every plant biologist are reviewed. They cover e.g. DNA transposition, reverse transcription, gene conversion, transfection, stable DNA methylation, or the error catastrophe scenario (via positive feedback error accumulation in DNA metabolism). A chemostat model of meristematic tissues is introduced playing a pivotal role in explaining the fate of mutations through plant ontogeny. Meristems are viewed as continuously growing cell populations (cbemostats) that remove or accumulate mutated cell lineages. From the chapter"Components of genomic organization and stasis" we learn that mechanisms and structures decreasing the effects of mutation (telomeres, diffuse centromeres, polyploidy, DNA repair mechanisms etc.) often enhance mutational pressure in another way. Eventually, the multifactoriaily controlled balance between disruptive and stabilizing forces is responsible for the actual mutation rates. The following three chapters ("Unstratified meristems", "Stratified meristems', "Other plant meristems") are probably the most interesting and provocative parts of the book. To explain their contents briefly, it is best to quote the author:. "The fate of somatic mutations in plants is a function of the kinds of meristems in which the mutant cells occur". The continuum of diverse meristem designs is polarized between several poles. At first, structured meristems (having permanent initials) vs. stochastic meristems (having impermanent initials) are compared with regard to mutation accumulation/removal. It is concluded that the random component in mutation accumulation is more pronounced in structured meristems. With increased number of initials, the efficiency of developmental selection in them slowly increases. In stochastic meristems, developmental selection is potentially much more efficient (it increases considerably with cell population size). At the same time, unstratified meristems (without further internal subdivision) and stratified meristems (generally of tunica-corpus type, typical for Ephedraceae, Gnetaceae, Araucariaceae and Angiospermophytina)

Bookreviews

431

are compared. In the latter case, the semiautonomous component meristems have the properties of differently constructed unstratified meristems. Hence, a great variety of organization types can be found. Such meristems are generally considered to be phylogenetically derived from unstratified meristems. Their adaptive significance is, however, unclear. The author shows clearly that stratified meristems are much more prone to somatic mutation accumulation than unstratified meristems. As a possible explanation for tunica-corpus organization origin, tunica is treated here as a "selfish tissue": tissue with prevalence of anticlinal division will spread over all organs formed by an apical meristem. At the same time, sporogenous tissues are preferentially formed from tunica layers. These two "'selfish" features can explain the (perhaps parallel) origin of stratified meristems in higher plants. A factor that potentially reduces the mutational load in stratified meristems is the presence of a "m6risteme d'attente", a part of the apical meristem with reduced mitotic activity during vegetative growth. As the frequency of mitoses grows rapidly in it at the beginning of anthesis, the m6risteme d'attente can be roughly compared to the germ line of vertebrates. In most of the apical meristems mericlinal and sectorial chimaeras are normally unstable. Some specially designed apical meristems are discussed, which promote potentially infinite retention of chimaeras in some monocots. After brief mention of intercalary and cambial meristems, special attention is paid to the branching of apical meristems. Branching patterns can exhibit influence on both the accumulation of neutral mutations and selection between ramets. Since somatic mutations can be selectively neutral in meristems, competition at the rametal level can bean important mechanism for their elimination. In Chapter Seven ("Phenotypic responses to mutation and environmental mutagens") environmental causes of mutation together with possible defensive mechanisms are discussed. Chapter Eight ("Mutation buffering") focuses on buffering mechanisms at molecular and developmental levels of plant organization. In view of the great ability to compensate for lost DNA, the metaphor of an orchestra is suggested for the eucaryotic genome: "'An orchestra can still play many melodies satisfactorily even though some players are sick or absent. This is not to say that all players are equally expendable or that the players who are more expendable are not important." The functioning of developmental mutation buffers such as intercellular crossfeeding by plasmodesmata, epigenetic (agenic) determination of ontogeny, mutual tissue replacements during development and cases of developmental homeostasis are discussed in detail. In Chapter Nine ("Soft selection and life cycles"), the possible importance of soft selection sieves for the elimination of somatic mutations is surveyed. A number of mechanisms can be envisaged as sieves, viz. gametic, gametophytic, zygotic or embryonic competition and parent-offspring conflict. The actual efficiency of such sieves remains unclear however. tn Chapter Ten ("Genetic load"), different concepts and components of load in vascular plants are discussed. In the last chapter ("Significance of mutation"), the fundamental statement is put forward that "...the most important aspect of mutation is the select ion for developmental and genetic systems with maximum homeostasis. Such systems best resist the disruptive effects of mutation and, therefore, stasis is promoted rather than evolutionary change." Further, the author argues that genetic variation is strongly shaped by internal factors resulting from genome and ontogeny organization. The book is full of useful data; perhaps it could profit from more streamlined organization. On the other hand, the somewhat loose organization with plenty of illustrative examples prevents it from being too categorical. The author surely succeeded in his attempt to give a multifaceted view on the connections between genetic variation, evolution and plant ontogeny. The picture of the intricate nature of many processes, of complex causes acting often in opposite directions makes the book very impressive. A lot of interesting and often provocative ideas and concepts are introduced. Many explanations and concepts, however surprising, are governed by selectionist logic (the concepts of developmental selection and of soft selection sieves, the explanation of tunica as a selfish tissue etc.). On the other hand, even more space is devoted to the impact of the structural features of the developing plant on genetic variation (chemostat model of meristems, developmental mutation buffers, influence of genome organization, of branching patterns etc.). Intemal design is thought to influence substantially the evolutionary trends across many taxa of vascular plants. The factors promoting evolutionary stasis concern both genomic (see orchestra metaphor) and organic (e.g. agenic development, developmental buffers) levels. Finally, mutations themselves are considered a stasis-promoting factor.

432

Bookreviews

Despite the rather specialized aim of the book, the author uses diverse concepts. The wide range of conceptual approaches used accord well with the multitude of processes and phenomena discussed. As a consequence, ad hoc hypotheses are raised instead of one general picture of the whole problem - this is probably the most pronounced trend throughout current biology. However, a flavour of something common persists over all the diversity of apparently incongruous phenomena. A nice book by E. J. Klekowski is a good example of both: evidence of diversity, and a feeling of unity. Zder~k S kaila

D.M. Hills & C. Moritz [eds.]: MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS; Sinauer Associates, Inc. Publishers, Sunderland, Massachusetts, 1990. Price GBP 52.-, ISBN 0-87893-279-8 (hardcover), Price GBP 29. 95, ISBN 0-87893-280- ! (paperback) The need for a book on molecular systematics has been evident for many years. This modem and progressive biological discipline is practised by a growing number of people and the molecular-taxonomic data accumulate at an accelerating rate. The most typical (and a little astonishing) moment of the development of the discipline is that it is practised mostly by molecular biologists (familiar with the appropriate techniques) while the interlx'etation of results should be done by systematic biologists (who typically know little or nothing about the theoretical and practical background of the techniques applied). It was a happy idea of the editors of "Molecular Systematics" to promote a book in which both the practical and the theoretical aspects of molecular systematics are included and carefully balanced. The book is arranged in three main sections that correspond to the three parts of every molecular systematics study: I. Sampling design and collection of biological material (28 pages), II. Collection of molecular data (Isozyme electrophoresis 81 pages, Immunological techniques 23 pages, Chromosomes and molecular cytogenetics 47 pages, DNA-DNA hybridization in solutions 45 pages, Restriction site analysis 67 pages, DNA sequencing 54 pages), and 11I. data analysis and interpretation (Genetic variation within species 37 pages, Phylogeny reconstruction 105 pages). Every chapter has been contributed by an experienced author or group of authors. Despite the multi-anthor nature of the book. there are no or few signs of uneven treatment of different chapters by theirs authors as the organization of the chapters (Principles and comparison of methods, Applications and limitations, Laboratory setup and protocol, Interpretation and troubleshooting) was "enforced rigidly" by the editors. The book also contains a useful Glossary of terms peculiar to molecular systematics and an extensive list of molecular systematic literature (over 1000 articles). Opinions on the quality of par6cular chapters might differ. Most readers will probably appreciate the chapters on isozyme analysis and on DNA-DNA hybridization in solution. These subjects are better treated here than in other publications, e.g. in Molecular Evolution by Li and Graur. The chapters in section III also seem very useful and clearly written. The parts on the maximum likelihood method of phylogeny reconstruction and on statistical methods for the estimation of consistency and confidence of phylogeny reconstruction-remits as well as the part dealing with a molecular clock hypothesis will probably be read (and xeroxed) extensively. On the other hand most readers will miss some modem methods of DNA analysis, namely PCR-fiogerprinting (RAPD) and the digital PCR method. The absence of these important methods proves clearly how quickly molecular systematics evolve. The book can be recommended for reading to biologists dealing with any branch of systemalics and evolutionary biology. It may also be useful for those studying the genetic structure of populations, for geneticists, population biologists, ecologists and sociobiologists. It should also be carefully studied by anyone seriously concerned with molecular systematics or forensic medicine. Jaroslav Flegr