Ferns: Ecology, Importance to Humans and Threats

In this compilation, the authors examine the possible effects of three aspects of global climate change (elevated atmospheric CO2, increasing temperatures, and changes in precipitation), focusing on how each of these may affect fern reproductive adaptation and success; especially with respect to: spore vitality and germination, gametophyte growth and reproductive success, and sporophyte growth and maturation. Next, the important aspects of Bracken chemical ecology are highlighted, beginning with a description of global distribution pattern of Bracken delineating its ubiquitous nature followed by its interplay with abiotic factors such as soil-nutrients and fire. The book also provides a review of modern studies based on chloroplast markers, BEAST analysis, and etc., including ecology of ferns throughout their history until recently. A study is presented that investigates the presence of allelochemical composition and content from the fern leaves of Acrostichum aureum, Stenochlaena palustris and Dicranopteris linearis using maceration extraction method for further analysis of allelochemicals. In closing, an overview of the most important taxa of Permian ferns of Angaraland and its adjacent regions is given, supported by evidence on some Carboniferous and Triassic ferns as well. See more