This book provides a knowledge-based view to the dynamic capabilities in an organization. The author integrates two existing views on gaining competitive advantage: the Knowledge View which suggests that the capability of organizations to learn faster than competitors is the only source of competitiveness; and the Dynamic Capability View which speculates that a fi rm's competitive advantage rests on it's ability to adapt to changes in the business environment. Using the IT sector in India as a case study, this book provides and tests a new framework-Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities-in the prediction of competitive advantage in organizations.

Plant Systematics, Third Edition, has made substantial contributions to plant systematics courses at the upper-undergraduate and first year graduate level, with the first edition winning The New York Botanical Garden's Henry Allan Gleason Award for outstanding recent publication in plant taxonomy, plant ecology or plant geography. This third edition continues to provide the basis for teaching an introduction to the morphology, evolution and classification of land plants. A foundation of the approach, methods, research goals, evidence and terminology of plant systematics are presented, along with the most recent knowledge of evolutionary relationships of plants and practical information vital to the field. In this new edition, the author includes greatly expanded treatments on families of flowering plants, as well as tropical trees (all with full-color plates), and an updated explanation of maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference algorithms. Chapters on morphology and plant nomenclature have also been enhanced with new material.

In an age when biodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented rate, it is vital that floristic and faunistic information is up to date, reliable and easily accessible for the formulation of effective conservation strategies. Electronic data management and communication are transforming descriptive taxonomy radically, enhancing both the collection and dissemination of crucial data on biodiversity. This volume is written by scientists at the forefront of current developments of floras and faunas, along with specialists from applied user groups. The chapters review novel methods of research, development and dissemination, which aim to maximise the relevance and impact of data. Regional case studies are used to illustrate the outputs and impacts of taxonomic research. Integrated approaches are presented which have the capacity to accelerate the production of floras and faunas and to better serve the needs of a widening audience.

The mysterious world of fungi is once again unearthed in this expansive second edition. This textbook provides readers with an all-embracing view of the kingdom fungi, ranging in scope from ecology and evolution, diversity and taxonomy, cell biology and biochemistry, to genetics and genomics, biotechnology and bioinformatics. Adopting a unique systems biology approach - and using explanatory figures and colour illustrations - the authors emphasise the diverse interactions between fungi and other organisms. They outline how recent advances in molecular techniques and computational biology have fundamentally changed our understanding of fungal biology, and have updated chapters and references throughout the book in light of this. This is a fascinating and accessible guide, which will appeal to a broad readership - from aspiring mycologists at undergraduate and graduate level to those studying related disciplines. Online resources are hosted on a complementary website.

For centuries, botanists have been drawn to the rarest species, sometimes with dire consequences for the species' survival. In this book, Great Britain's rarest flowering plants are discussed in turn, including the stories behind their discovery, the reasons for their rarity, and the work being done to save them from dying out. It is hoped that it will help to throw light on some of the species that normally gain little attention, and foster an appreciation of our most threatened plants. This guide describes 66 native species of plants that have the most narrowly restricted ranges in Great Britain. These range from continental, warmth-loving species in the south of England to those found only on the highest Scottish mountains. Each species is shown together with its habitat to allow the reader to better understand the ecological context. Other scarce plants in the same area are indicated.

Part of a monograph series on fossils The publication, Lower Turonian Inoceramids from Sergipe, Brazil: Systematics, Sraigraphy and Palaeoecology, presents an account of inoceramid research by Hessel in the Sergipe Basin of eastern Brazil. Photos and drawings of inoceramids are featured.

The automated identification of biological objects or groups has been a dream among taxonomists and systematists for centuries. However, progress in designing and implementing practical systems for fully automated taxon identification has been frustratingly slow. Regardless, the dream has never died. Recent developments in computer architectures and innovations in software design have placed the tools needed to realize this vision in the hands of the systematics community, not several years hence, but now. And not just for DNA barcodes or other molecular data, but for digital images of organisms, digital sounds, digitized chemical data - essentially any type of digital data. Based on evidence accumulated over the last decade and written by applied researchers, Automated Taxon Identification in Systematics explores contemporary applications of quantitative approaches to the problem of taxon recognition. The book begins by reviewing the current state of systematics and placing automated taxon identification in the context of contemporary trends, needs, and opportunities. The chapters present and evaluate different aspects of current automated system designs. They then provide descriptions of case studies in which different theoretical and practical aspects of the overall group-identification problem are identified, analyzed, and discussed. A recurring theme through the chapters is the relationship between taxonomic identification, automated group identification, and morphometrics. This collection provides a bridge between these communities and between them and the wider world of applied taxonomy. The only book-length treatment that explores automated group identification in systematic context, this text also includes introductions to basic aspects of the fields of contemporary artificial intelligence and mathematical group recognition for the entire biological community.

Many species of penicillium and aspergillus are important in biotechnology, food, medicine, biodeterioration and other applied fields, so a practical and stable taxonomy is of vital importance. Recent developments in science and technology mean that taxonomic classification is no longer confined to classical morphological concepts, and the integration of molecular, physiological and biochemical methods now plays an important role in understanding the classification of these fungi. Integration of Modern Taxonomic Methods for Penicillium and Aspergillus Classification brings together a collection of chapters from international experts in this field. It will be of value to researchers and professionals in mycology, biotechnology, medicine and regulatory agencies interested in the identification of these fungi.

To document the world's diversity of species and reconstruct the tree of life we need to undertake some simple but mountainous tasks. Most importantly, we need to tackle species rich groups. We need to collect, name, and classify them, and then position them on the tree of life. We need to do this systematically across all groups of organisms and because of the biodiversity crisis we need to do it quickly. With contributions from key systematic and taxonomic researchers, Reconstructing the Tree of Life: Taxonomy and Systematics of Species Rich Taxa outlines the core of the problem and explores strategies that bring us closer to its solution. The editors split the book into three parts: introduction and general concepts, reconstructing and using the tree of life, and taxonomy and systematics of species rich groups (case studies). They introduce, with examples, the concept of species rich groups and discuss their importance in reconstructing the tree of life as well as their conservation and sustainable utilization in general. The book highlights how phylogenetic trees are becoming "supersized" to handle species rich groups and the methods that are being developed to deal with the computational complexity of such trees. It discusses factors that have lead some groups to speciate to a staggering degree and also provides case studies that highlight the problems and prospects of dealing with species rich groups in taxonomy. To understand species rich taxa, evolution has set scientists a difficult, but not unattainable, challenge that requires the meshing together of phylogenetics and taxonomy, considerable advances in informatics, improved and increased collecting, training of taxonomists, and significant financial support. This book provides the tools and methods needed to meet that challenge.

Research conducted over the last fifteen years has placed in question many of the traditional conclusions about the evolution of human female sexuality. Women have not lost estrus, as earlier researchers thought, but it is simply concealed, resulting in two functionally distinct sexualities with markedly different ends in each phase. At the fertile phase of the cycle, women prefer male traits that may mark superior genetic quality, and at infertile phases, they prefer men willing to invest resources in a mate. Thus, women's peri-ovulatory sexuality functions to obtain a sire of superior genetic quality, and is homologous with estrus in other vertebrates. This model sheds light on male human sexuality as well: men perceive and respond to women's estrus, including by increased mate guarding. Men's response is limited, compared to other vertebrate males, implying coevolutionary history of selection on females to conceal estrus from men and selection on men to detect it. Research indicates that women's concealed estrus is an adaptation to copulate conditionally with men other than the pair-bond partner. Women's sexual ornaments-the estrogen-facilitated features of face and body-are honest signals of individual quality pertaining to future reproductive value.

Parsimony analysis (cladistics) has long been one of the most widely used methods of phylogenetic inference, in the fields of systematic and evolutionary biology. Moreover it has mathematical attributes that lend itself for use with complex, genomic-scale data sets. This book demonstrates the potential that this powerful hierarchical data summarization method, also has for both structural and functional comparative genomic research.

This book is an extended argument for abandoning the species rank. Instead, the author proposes that the rank of "species" be replaced by a pluralistic and multi-level view. In such a view, all clades including the smallest identifiable one would be named and studied within a phylogenetic context. What are currently called "species" represent different sorts of things depending on the sort of organisms and processes being considered. This is already the case, but is not formally recognized by those scientists using the species rank in their work. Adopting a rankless taxonomy at all levels would enhance academic studies of evolution and ecology and yield practical benefits in areas of public concern such as conservation. The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781498714549, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial license. KEY FEATURES * Proposes the replacement of restrictive species concepts with a pluralistic view * Suggests abandoning the formal taxonomic rank of "species" * Considers zoological, botanical, and microbiological aspects of the species level * Deals with practical issues such as conservation, inventories, and field guides

Designed as an introduction to the intriguing world of insect biology, this book examines familiar entomological topics in nontraditional ways. Author David B. Rivers gives important concepts relatable context through a pop culture lens, and he covers subjects that are not typical for entomology textbooks, including the impact of insects on the human condition, the sex lives of insects, why insects are phat but not fat, forensic entomology, and the threats that some insects pose to humanity. Each chapter presents clear and concise key concepts, chapter reviews, review questions following Bloom's taxonomy of learning, web links to videos and other resources, and breakout boxes (called Fly Spots) that capture student interest with unique and entertaining facts related to entomology. Focusing on both traditional and cutting-edge aspects of insect biology and packed with extensive learning resources, Insects covers a wide range of topics suitable for life science majors, as well as non-science students, including: * the positive and negative influences of insects on everyday human life* insect abundance* insect classification (here presented in the context of social media)* insect feeding, communication, defense, and sex* how insects are responding to climate change* forensic entomology* how insects can be used as weapons of war* how insects relate to national security* why insects have wings* how to read pesticide labels

Vegetation, soil and climate are the most important components of ecological systems. This long-awaited fourth edition of the well-established textbook by Heinrich Walter summarizes our knowledge of the earth's ecology and constitutes the basis for a deeper understanding of the larger interrelations on a global scale.While Walter's general concept remains unchanged, the individual chapters have been completely revised, enlarged and updated. The author's intimate knowledge of practically all classes of plants and climatic zones allows him to describe the various ecological systems in close detail.This richly illustrated textbook is a must for every student in the plant sciences.

There is increasing evidence that branching processes in nature proceed by similar mechanisms in many seemingly different systems. This is the first comprehensive book dealing with this topic - it encompasses all fields of science, investigating branching morphogenesis and pattern formation in cells, plants, organs and river networks to name but a few. Renowned international researchers have contributed to this volume and taken care that the lectures remain accessible to graduate students and nonspecialist researchers.

Does the inheritance of acquired characteristics play a significant role in evolution? In this book, Eva Jablonka and Marion J. Lamb attempt to answer that question with an original, provocative exploration of the nature and origin of hereditary variations. Starting with a historical account of Lamarck's ideas and the reasons they have fallen in disrepute, the authors go on to challenge the prevailing assumption that all heritable variation is random and the result of variation in DNA base sequences. They also detail recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying inheritance--including several pathways not envisioned by classical population genetics--and argue that these advances need to be more fully incorporated into mainstream evolutionary theory. Throughout, the book offers a new look at the evidence for and against the hereditability of environmentally induced changes, and addresses timely questions about the importance of non-Mendelian inheritance. A glossary and extensive list of references round out the book. Urging a reconsideration of the present DNA-centric view prevalent in the field, Epigentic Inheritance and Evolution will make fascinating and important reading for students and researchers in evolution, genetics, ecology, molecular biology, developmental biology, and the history and philosophy of science.

How does death help us understand the living? Death is more than the last event of life; it is interwoven into our growth, development, protection against disease, and more. It influences the direction of entire species via the cycle of a lifespan, and it involves asking many fascinating questions. How do we differentiate between life and death, though? How do we know when a person, animal, or cell is really dead? How much grey area is there in the science? Why do we age? Can we do anything about it? Scientifically, there's much we can learn about a living thing from its cells. In all living things, cells seem to carry "death" gene programs. Some living organisms have created systems to use these to their own advantage. Humans, for example, use the death of specific cells to hone our immune system and to give us fingernails and hair. Perhaps the most dramatic use occurs during the metamorphosis of insects and frogs. Even single-celled organisms use "quorum sensing" to eliminate some cells to ensure the overall survival of their colony in harsh environments. Thus, there is more to death than just dying. This latest book from science writer Gary C. Howard ties together the many ways that death helps us understand life. He synthesizes the involvement and relation of cells, tissues, organisms, and populations, explaining what happens at the end of life. Between discussions about popular topics such as the ethics of extending life and cell regeneration, Howard also answers fascinating questions about life and death. The resulting book examines how the end of life is determined and what we can learn from this process.

Until now, individuals wishing to identify British insects have found it difficult to track down the specialist keys published in obscure literature, whereas the popular guides are often misleadingly simplistic, covering only a fraction of the species. This book bridges the gap, providing expert guidance through the taxonomic maze. It contains an introduction to each group of organisms, and over 2000 references selected as being the most useful and up-to-date for accurate identification, together with notes on their relevance and coverage. A further chapter covers the understanding and retrieval of scientific references, with advice on using libraries and other information services. This will be an essential reference book for anyone involved in insect and arachnid identification, from interested amateurs to professionals dealing with unfamiliar groups.

"Biological Systematics" provides a critical overview of the state of the art in biological systematics and presents a broad perspective of the subject, covering its history, theory and practice. The most improtant current theoretical issues are reviewed with the emphasis on the species concept, the methodology of phylogenetic reconstruction and contrasting views on the relationships between phylogenetics and systematics. A large part of the book is devoted to a review of the current state of taxonomy of the main groups, concluding with a discussion of evolutionary patterns.

Rapid developments continue to take place in the research of viruses, the causative agents of infectious diseases in humans, animals, plants, invertebrates, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria. A still growing number of more than 30,000 viruses, virus strains, and subtypes are being tracked in various specialty laboratories and culture collections. In this situation of expansion and specialization, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses was founded to establish, refine and maintain a universal virus taxonomy system giving information to virologists about the characteristics of the different groups of viruses. The Committee s Sixth Report includes one order, 71 families, 11 subfamilies, and 175 genera and more than 4,000 member viruses. On 600 printed pages large amounts of molecular biologic data, illustrated by micrographs and virion diagrams, gene maps and tables give a comprehensive overview and prove helpful in teaching, in diagnostics, in scholarly research, and in the practical areas of medicine, veterinary medicine, plant pathology, insect pest management, and biotechnology. ..". est une reference indispensable pour les chercheurs, les enseignants, les medecins ou les veterinaires mais aussi pour les etudiants et d une maniere generale pour toutes les personnes interessees par la virologie . Revue de Medecine Veterinaire ..". an excellent, well presented and informative volume. The report should be an essential reference volume for any department or organization involved in the study of viruses . Quarterly"

Although more than 12 years have passed since publication of the first WHO histological classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumours, the changes in this revised edition are not radical. Only one formerly recognized entity has been deleted: the monstrocellular sarcoma, because there is immuno- cytochemical evidence of its astrocytic nature. Several new tumour types have been added: the pleomorphic xanthoastro- cytoma has been generally acknowledged for almost a decade; the neurocytoma has gradually evolved as a clinical-pathological entity; and two new entries, the dysembryoplastic neuroepi- thelial tumour and the desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma, have only been characterized morphologically during the past few years. We regard the classification as an international standard to facilitate communication and have tried to avoid current con- ceptual controversies. The majority of partiCipants supported inclusion of the term "primitive neuroectodermal tumour" (pNET). However, because of our limited knowledge of the biol- ogy of embryonal CNS tumours, preference was given to use PNET selectively, rather than applying it to all small cell embryo- nal childhood tumours, irrespective of their histological pheno- type. Ependymomas and meningiomas now have new histological SUbtypes. Most of these are not associated with biological behaviour different from the parent tumour type, but their description will aid the practising pathologist to identify and classify these lesions. 2 Introduction Histological Typing Following the philosophy of this WHO series, classification is based primarily on histological assessment of cell types and tis- sue patterns recognized by conventional light microscopy.

The dynamic aspect of biological systems--the birth, growth, and death of individual organisms, the evolution of one form into another over time--has formed the basis for metaphors used in many fields for both artistic and heuristic purposes. Cladistic classification uses a tree whose branch points are based on the possession of derived or relatively recent characteristics, rather than primitive ones.

This balanced, comprehensive account traces the alterations in body form that insects undergo as they adapt to seasonal change, exploring both theoretical aspects and practical issues, such as the impact of seasonality on insect pest management.

Band XIa enthAlt allgemeine Kapitel zur Systematik, Klassifikation, Ethnobotanik, Phytochemie und Chemotaxonomie der Leguminosen. Die allgemeinen chemischen Kapitel sind familiencharakteristischen PrimAr- und SekundArstoffen und einigen aus der Familie bisher eher sporadisch bekannt gewordenen Stoffklassen gewidmet. Insgesamt enthAlt dieser Band A1/4ber 2000 Literaturhinweise. Hegnauers Chemotaxonomie ist ein unentbehrliches Handbuch fA1/4r alle naturwissenschaftlichen Disziplinen, die sich mit dem Chemismus der Pflanze - auch ausserhalb botanisch-systematischer Fragen - befassen. Text und Literaturhinweise geben gemeinsam ein Bild unseres gegenwArtigen Wissensstandes von den Stoffwechseleigenarten der behandelten Pflanzensippen. Die Ergebnisse der Naturstoffchemie, der vergleichenden Phytochemie und der Biogeneseforschung werden zum Aufbau einer systematischen Chemie der Pflanzen, also einer mit Stoffwechselmerkmalen arbeitenden Hilfs-wissenschaft der systematischen Botanik, verwendet. Der auf zwei TeilbAnde angelegte Band XI dieses Standardwerkes beleuchtet die Relevanz der Inhaltsstoffe der Leguminosen fA1/4r die Fachgebiete der Systematik, Physiologie, Agrarwissenschaften, Pharmazie, Toxikologie, Medizin, A-kologie und Ethnobotanik. Mit Band XIa der Chemotaxonomie der Pflanzen liegt ein unverzichtbares Arbeitsmittel und Nachschlagewerk vor fA1/4r alle, deren Interesse den Leguminosen gilt. Es richtet sich A1/4ber den Kreis der Pflanzentaxonomen, Pflanzenphysiologen und Naturstoffchemiker hinaus an PflanzenAkologen, Agrar- und ErnAhrungswissenschaftler sowie Arzneimittelforscher. Die kosmopolitische Familie der Leguminosen, zu der neben zahlreichen Nahrungs- und Futterpflanzen vieleweitere wirtschaftlich bedeutende Kultur- und Zierpflanzen gehAren, umfasst etwa 600 Gattungen beziehungsweise 13'000 Arten.

"One of the most substantial and scholarly counterattacks against creationism to date....The myths which creationists present to the public as historical fact are systematically debunked....This carefully chosen collection should appeal to informed general readers"--Library Journal. "One of the strongest, most enlightened sources for understanding the present dispute and its dangerous portents"--Kirkus Reviews. In this volume, Stephen Jay Gould, Isaac Asimov, and others provide a powerful rebuttal to "Creation Science," and offer insights into the teaching of science.