Principles of Plant Systematics

In nature subordination of organic beings in groups under groups is an established fact rather than an artifact. As against the abiotic things, the living beings exhibit a state of dynamism due to the influence of infinite evolutionary forces represented in the form of plasticity or variability within and between the groups which demands peculiar flexibility in circumscribing the different categories of taxonomic hierarchy to meet the special requirements of biological classification. This organic plasticity and flexibility demands in the classification has resulted lots of subjective judgments and concepts causing several misconceptions and controversies regarding the taxonomic categories. In this respect the general principles of systematics that constitute the rachis of the subject and soul of taxonomy are of utmost importance and their ignorance will otherwise be like crying in the wilderness. It is gratifying that this volume in such a simple, illustrative and lucid manner is totally committed to clarify the underlying principles of plant systematic with special reference to the current trends in taxonomy and furnishes comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in the discipline.

Hari P. Pandey, M.Sc., D.Phil.: Did his M.Sc. and D.Phil. in Botany from the University of Allahabad, India, and is actively engaged in teaching and research since ten years. He has credit of publishing three dozens of research papers and seven books on the subject. His Megakingdom Concept of Living World is an outstanding contribution to Biology.