Two primers for budding botanists: Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology, 2nd edn, Multimedia Enhanced Edition, J.D. Mauseth, and Plant Biology Tutor (CD-ROM) S.E. Scheckler, S.A. Hill and D. Taylor

Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 1998. $75.00 hbk (xxiii+864 pages)ISBN 0 7637 0746 5Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 1998. Student edn, $31.25; Faculty edn $1000.00.Engaging students who are new to the scientific study of plants can be a challenge, as many students who take an introductory botany course are there because it is a requirement. Scientists from other biological specialities can also have a low level of interest in plants—but plant biologists know better. Plants are incredibly fascinating. They have evolved novel ways of coping with difficult environments, and are extraordinarily relevant to the lives of human beings. It falls to those of us who teach such courses to convey this fascination and relevance to our students.The discipline of plant biology is rapidly regaining vitality and significance, and the integrity of biology demands that our future biologists receive effective training in the fundamentals of anatomy, morphology, reproduction, diversity and evolution. Those biologists who lack a strong foundation in these basic aspects are doomed to make mistakes.With Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology, the author has produced a textbook that can help provide students with a solid background in basic botany. In his preface, Mauseth promises students an emphasis on evolution by natural selection and analysis of botanical phenomena and diversity. He does a good job delivering on this promise. The text is filled with clear, well-labeled illustrations, and not only are the basics presented, but enough exceptions are included to make this a rich introductory resource.Chapters are grouped in sections reflecting four major themes: structure, physiology and development, genetics and evolution, and ecology. Throughout the text there are boxes highlighting human uses of plants and other diverse topics. For example, in the part on the study of cells there are excellent boxes explaining the process and use of resin casting, and another explaining the use of molecular markers in tree breeding. The chapters on plant structure include the functions of cells, tissues and organs. The chapters contain both high- and low-magnification micrographs accompanied by stylized diagrams. The double illustrations should be valuable for new students, particularly those who are unfamiliar with cell biology or are unskilled in visualizing three-dimensional objects from photographs.Throughout the text, the author demonstrates an understanding of problems common to biology students. For example, students frequently memorize photosynthetic reactions without understanding the significance of the reactions. Within the section covering plant physiology and development, the photosynthesis chapter contains a simple explanation of oxidation and reduction, which students should find very helpful. The last two chapters within this section cover development and morphogenesis and the genetic basis of metabolism and development, which is a useful pairing. The presentation of recombinant DNA techniques and genetic engineering illustrate modern methods of studying plant development and morphogenesis. The third section, genetics and evolution, begins with mendelian and molecular genetics and uses population genetics to introduce an evolutionary survey of prokaryotes, fungi, algae and plants. The fourth theme, ecology, includes chapters on populations, ecosystems and biomes. The evolutionary survey chapters, covering seedless vascular plants and gymnosperms, are particularly extensive. Few introductory botany texts include as much detail on extinct plants.No instructor ever finds a perfect text, and I have a few minor complaints with this one. Considering the extensive coverage of extinct lower vascular plants and seed plants, I was surprised not to find references to the putative role of a Coleochaete-like ancestor for the embryophytes1xColeochaete and the origin of land plants. Graham, L.E. Am. J. Bot. 1984; 71: 603–608CrossrefSee all References1 or double fertilization in the gymnosperm Ephedra2xSexual reproduction in Ephedra nevadensis (Ephedraceae): further evidence of double fertilization in a nonflowering seed plant. Friedman, W.E. Am. J. Bot. 1990; 77: 1582–1598CrossrefSee all References2. A few short paragraphs devoted to these subjects would be a good addition.The text is presented as a multimedia enhanced edition. The multimedia enhancement takes two forms. There are specific references to the CD-ROM, Plant Biology Tutor, and to World Wide Web links that are accessible through the publisher's web site, which includes specific activities designed for this text and links to additional web sites. These enhancements should ease the transition to computers for any remaining computer-shy students.The accompanying CD-ROM is one of the better ones on the market. The main sections are growth and development, plant reproduction, systematics and evolution, and ecology and biomes. There are some interesting simulations. One that students should enjoy is where they manipulate the ratio of fibers, vessels and parenchyma within secondary xylem tissue and follow the accompanying changes in vertical and horizontal compression. As with the text, I found a few problems. For example, early in the presentation of plant reproduction there is a statement that plant gametes are produced by meiosis of diploid cells. Although it is explained in the next frame that a subsequent mitotic cell division produces egg and sperm cells in plants, the delayed explanation could confuse students. There are numerous interactive sections, but other sections offer no advantage over a text format. Although the CD-ROM does include interactive models, it is not an adaptive form of media. A truly tutorial program would include a means for interpreting the actions of students and for providing feedback that is linked to each student's performance3xRethinking University Teaching. Laurillard, D. See all References3. Perhaps a different title would be more appropriate.There are different approaches to teaching plant biology; and, to be effective, each instructor must choose an approach that works best for them. The Mauseth text and the CD-ROM are good resources and worth considering for an introductory botany course. You might find the combination just what you need.