From their ability to use energy from sunlight to make their own food, to combating attacks from diseases and predators, plants have evolved an amazing range of life-sustaining strategies. Written with the non-specialist in mind, John King's lively natural history explains how plants function, from how they gain energy and nutrition to how they grow, develop and ultimately die. New to this edition is a section devoted to plants and the environment, exploring how problems created by human activities, such as global warming, pollution of land, water and air, and increasing ocean acidity, are impacting on the lives of plants. King's narrative provides a simple, highly readable introduction, with boxes in each chapter offering additional or more advanced material for readers seeking more detail. He concludes that despite the challenges posed by growing environmental perils, plants will continue to dominate our planet.
- A simple introduction to plant physiology, ideal for the non-specialist
- Boxes include additional information to cater for the more advanced reader
- New material on plants and the environment shows how human activities affect the lives of plants
Read more
Reviews & endorsements
'… one of the best-written, general accounts of plant biology that I know … if you are looking for a book to stress the significance of modern plant science/fascination of botany on young minds (or even not-so-young ones), look no further than the 2nd edition of John King's Reaching for the Sun!' Annals of Botany
'… I enjoyed the book. It was interesting and presented many examples of plant species and environments from around the world.' The Forestry Chronicle
'… highly recommended for any citizen looking for a straightforward and thorough overview of plants and their lives.' Plant Science Bulletin
See more reviews
Customer reviews

Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review

Log in to review

Review was not posted due to profanity
×

, create a review

(If you're not , sign out)

Please enter the right captcha value

Please enter a star rating.

Your review must be a minimum of 12 words.

How do you rate this item?

Reviews must contain at least 12 words about the product.

×

Product details
- Edition: 2nd Edition
- Date Published: January 2011
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9780521518048
- length: 312 pages
- dimensions: 229 x 152 x 20 mm
- weight: 0.61kg
- contains: 16 b/w illus.
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Part I. Plants and Energy:
1. Photosynthesis: the leitmotiv of life
2. Plant respiration: breathing without lungs
References
Part II. Plant Nutrition:
3. Plants are cool, but why?
4. Nutrition for the healthy lifestyle
5. Nitrogen, nitrogen, everywhere ...
6. Transport of delights
References
Part III. Growth and Development:
7. Growth: the long and the short of it
8. The time of their lives
9. A dash of seasoning
10. Dormancy: a matter of survival
11. Color, fragrance, and flavor
References
Part IV. Stress, Defense, and Decline:
12. Stressful tranquility
13. Chemical warfare
14. Senescence and death
References
Part V. Plants and the Environment:
15. Elemental cycles
16. The human touch
Appendix. Genetic engineering in a rapidly changing world
References
Epilogue
Index.
Look Inside
Instructors have used or reviewed this title for the following courses
- Plants and People
Author
John King, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
John King is Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. He is a past President of the Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists and in 2001 he was awarded their highest honour, the Gold Medal, 'in recognition of outstanding contributions to plant physiology in Canada'. The first edition of Reaching for the Sun (Cambridge University Press, 1997) was nominated for the Rhône-Poulenc (now Aventis) Prize for Science (General Category).