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Ecological Genetics and Changes in Atmospheric Chemistry: The Application of Knowledge

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Ecological Genetics and Air Pollution

Abstract

Ample evidence indicates that plants vary markedly in their responses to air pollutants. Furthermore, it is known that air pollution can exert a selective force on plants at both the sporophytic and gametic levels. The application of knowledge regarding air pollution and ecological genetics focuses strongly on two central concepts. First, since plants vary from extremely sensitive to strongly resistant to air pollution, it is possible to select and breed for plants with either high or low sensitivity for use in managed ecosystems. Second, the maintenance of genetic diversity in plant populations in both unmanaged and managed ecosystems should be given more serious attention. This chapter reviews research activities in these two areas and suggests where additional research is needed. It focuses on trees and forest ecosystems, as others (Bell et al. Chapter 3, this volume) discuss similar aspects with other plants.

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Authors
  1. David F. Karnosky
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Desert Research Institute and Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, 89506-0220, USA

    George E. Taylor Jr.

  2. Ecological Studies Program, Electric Power Research Institute, 3412 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California, 94303, USA

    Louis F. Pitelka

  3. Department of Botany and Plant Science, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521, USA

    Michael T. Clegg

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© 1991 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Karnosky, D.F. (1991). Ecological Genetics and Changes in Atmospheric Chemistry: The Application of Knowledge. In: Taylor, G.E., Pitelka, L.F., Clegg, M.T. (eds) Ecological Genetics and Air Pollution. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3060-1_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3060-1_19

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7780-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-3060-1

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