Trends in Systematic Botany
DAVID D. KECK
The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Park, New York, New York
Page
I. Introduction
47
II. Taxonomy and Classification
51
III. Two Centuries of Floras
5
IV. The Tools of Systematic Botany
57
V. Anatomy
^9
VI. Pollen Morphology
61
VII. Seed Morphology
2
VIII. Embryology
2
IX. Paleobotany
2
X. Parasitism
3
XI. Biochemistry
3
XII. Cytogenetics
64
XIII. Cytology
4
XIV. Genetics
6
XV. The Genus Layia
3
XVI. Apomixis
8
XVII. Hybrid Complexes
0
XVIII. Conclusion
6
References
1
I. INTRODUCTION
The aim of systematic botany is to provide a truly natural and utilitarian classification of the members of the plant kingdom. There are
those who feel that this aim can best be met by the taxonomi t relying
principally on comparative morphology and geographic distribution, with
only incidental attention to other kinds of data. Others accept the view
that it is the duty of the taxonomist to weigh impartially all types of data
of possible value for improving existing classifications and to accept or
reject such of these as practicality dictates. The difference in these
viewpoints is only one of degree. Obviously, if the taxonomist is to insert
phylogenetic considerations into his classification, he should seek assistance from a number of other botanical disciplines in addition to his
familiar morphology and distribution, such as genetics, anatomy, cytology, paleobotany, embryology, ecology, physiology, etc., which are able
to contribute to the ultimate solution of these problems.
A natural classification, or one based on phylogeny, serves its purpose
47