TY  - JOUR
A1  - Robinson, Harold
T1  - A functional evolution of the Leucobryaceae
T2  - Tropical bryology
N2  - Recent conclusions on the limits of the Leucobryaceae and on the function of the Leucobryaceous leaf are used as basis for further observations on evolution of the group. Eight genera are recognized in the family; 1. Leucobryum, 2. Steyermarkiella, 3. Ochrobryum, 4. Arthrocormus, 5. Schistomitrium, 6. Holomitriopsis, 7. Cladopodanthus, and 8. Octoblepharum. The leaf form, capsule shape, and peristome substructure of Leucobryum seems to derive from a Campylopus-type member of the Dicranaceae. Four basic stages are noted in the functional evolution of the family. 1. The stratification of the leaf into leucocysts and chlorocyst layers with leucocysts holding water and internally generated gas; 2. The shift from soil substrates seen mostly in Temperate Zone Leucobryum to rotten wood substrates or epiphytism; 3. Increasing reliance on vegetative reproduction with reduction of reliance on sporophytes; 4. Morphogenetic increase of the number of chlorocysts in the leaf. Geographical concentrations of the genera are noted, and distributions between hemispheres are apparently mostly by way of the South Atlantic. The use of functional considerations in evolutionary studies is emphasized. The retention of paraphyletic groups in taxonomy is defended.
Y1  - 1990
UR  - http://publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/30179
UR  - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:hebis:30:3-301799
SN  - 0935-5626
N1  - The layout of the electronic version of this contribution differs from the layout of the original version published in the printed volume.
VL  - 2
SP  - 223
EP  - 237
PB  - D. Quandt, Univ. Bonn, Nees Inst. für Biodiversität d. Pflanzen
CY  - Bonn
ER  -