Made for Each Other: A Symbiosis of Birds and Pines
Combining personal research with the works of others, Lanner (professor emeritus, Utah State) presents a documented account of the obligatory mutualism that exists between those species of pines having wingless seeds and birds such as nutcrackers and jays. He explains how the food dependency of the birds on the pines has interacted with the tree's reproduction to result in the coevolution of both, with the birds being the directing force. Lanner proposes a new sequence in the evolution of the "limber pine complex" because of his findings. The importance of this bird-and- pine association in the plant and animal communities is discussed, as are the environmental threats that may destroy it. This accessible book will interest nature and bird enthusiasts. Recommended for larger collections.?Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.