Researchers identify evidence of oldest orchid fossil on record
The orchid family has some 28,000 species – more than double the number of bird species and quadruple the mammal species. As it turns out, they've also been around for a while.
The Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society publishes original papers on systematic and evolutionary botany and comparative studies of both living and fossil plants. Review papers are also welcomed which integrate fields such as cytology, morphogenesis, palynology and phytochemistry into a taxonomic framework. The Journal will only publish new taxa in exceptional circumstances or as part of larger monographic or phylogenetic revisions.
The orchid family has some 28,000 species – more than double the number of bird species and quadruple the mammal species. As it turns out, they've also been around for a while.
Archaeology
May 4, 2017
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677
The earliest example of an organism living on land – an early type of fungus – has been identified. The organism, from 440 million years ago, likely kick-started the process of rot and soil formation, which encouraged ...
Biotechnology
Mar 2, 2016
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145
Scientists from the University of Portsmouth and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have come up with a formula to help plant breeders and farmers around the world grow crops in a more sustainable way.
Plants & Animals
Sep 30, 2020
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154
In forest ecosystems, cockroaches are known as important decomposers that consume dead and decaying plants. Quite unexpectedly, however, researchers have found that they also provide seed dispersal services for the plant ...
Ecology
Aug 4, 2017
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550
Prickly holly leaves are a traditional Christmas decoration, from wreaths adorning homes, to greeting card scenes. Yet, look closer at a holly tree and while some leaves are prickly, others are not. Scientists writing in ...
Plants & Animals
Dec 12, 2012
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1
Scientists have developed the largest ever family tree of a major group of flowering plants called monocots, which could help protect their diversity.
Ecology
Nov 4, 2016
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18
The first definitive demonstration of climate change upsetting the vital interdependent relationships between species has been revealed, thanks to a study led by the University of Sussex.
Ecology
Apr 6, 2018
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49
Scientists at the University of Stirling have discovered a new type of plant growing in Shetland - with its evolution only having occurred in the last 200 years.
Biotechnology
Aug 16, 2017
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Recent research, published in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, used the database to reveal that orchids show remarkable diversity of highly specialized pollination strategies that differ across global regions.
Plants & Animals
Jul 13, 2023
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43
Large-scale commercial trade of wild orchids is a pressing, but little-recognised conservation problem, according to researchers. Orchids are one of the largest families of flower plants in the world, and they are among the ...
Ecology
Dec 15, 2017
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9