Also available in print format.

This book (11 chapters) presents an overview of seed ecophysiology and its role in shaping plant communities. Updated information on frugivory, seed dispersal, seed predation, light-mediated germination responses, chemical regulation of germination, and seed dormancy is provided. New chapter contributions include an overview of seed development, anatomy and morphology, the chemical ecology of seed persistence, implications of climate change on the regeneration by seeds, and the functional role of seed banks in agricultural and natural ecosystems. This book serves as a highly comprehensive review resource for new students of seed ecology and plant community regeneration, as well as an update for the more seasoned and experienced scientist.

Overview of seed development, anatomy and morphology / Elwira Sliwinska and J. Derek Bewley -- Fruits and frugivory / Pedro Jordano -- The ecology of seed dispersal / Anna Traveset, Ruben Heleno and Manuel Nogales -- Seed predators and plant population dynamics / Michael J. Crawley -- Light-mediated germination / Thijs L. Pons -- The chemical environment in the soil seed bank / Henk W.M. Hilhorst -- Seed dormancy / Alistair J. Murdoch -- The chemical ecology of seed persistence in soil seed banks / Robert S. Gallagher, Mark B. Burnham and E. Patrick Fuerst -- Effects of climate change on regeneration by seeds / Rui Zhang and Kristen L. Granger -- The functional role of the soil seed bank in agricultural ecosystems / Nathalie Colbach -- The functional role of the soil seed banks in natural communities / Arne Saatkamp, Peter Poschlod and D. Lawrence Venable.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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Title from PDF title page (viewed February 10, 2014).