Stepping out of the Shadow of Goethe: for a More Scientific Plant Systematics

doi:10.11983/CBB19093

Abstract

Abstract: According to the Traditional Theory, a carpel (basic unit of angiosperm gynoecium) is derived from a modified leaf or megasporophyll through longitudinal folding and inward enrolling. Unfortunately, this theory introduces an unnegotiable gap between angiosperms and gymnosperms. Different from the Traditional Theory, the Unifying Theory provides a link bridging the gap mentioned above—an angiosperm carpel is derived from the synorganization between an ovule-bearing branch and an enclosing leaf. Recently two papers authored by leading botanists, Peter R. Crane and Peter K. Endress, respectively, expressed their opinions different from the Traditional Theory of angiosperm evolution. Endress stated that a carpel is result of synorganization between foliar part(s) plus ovule(s); and Crane stated that ovules/seeds are borne on the termini of branches. Combining the two, it is easy to infer that a carpel is equivalent to a foliar part plus an ovuliferous branch, a conclusion in line with the core conception of the Unifying Theory. The subtle changes in perspectives of these two leading botanists imply that there will be a major paradigm shift in botany soon. In order to make our botanists aware of the coming-soon changes in plant evolution theory, we summarize the latest progresses in relevant areas.

Key words: evolution, Goethe, angiosperms, plant systematics

Xin Wang,Zhongjian Liu,Wenzhe Liu,Wenbo Liao,Xin Zhang,Zhong Liu,Guangwan Hu,Xuemin Guo,Yaling Wang. Stepping out of the Shadow of Goethe: for a More Scientific Plant Systematics[J]. Chinese Bulletin of Botany, 2020, 55(4): 505-512.

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URL: https://www.chinbullbotany.com/EN/10.11983/CBB19093

https://www.chinbullbotany.com/EN/Y2020/V55/I4/505

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