The book contains 25 Chapters. The first two Chapters are devoted to the life and contributions of Professor Dakshini and the remaining 23 cover diverse topics on biodiversity, taxonomy, and ecology contributed by well known specialists in these fields. Taxonomic diversity, importance and relationships between taxonomy and biodiversity, and the need for biodiversity conservation have been evaluated. Detailed studies on Dipsacaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Piperaceae emphasise the significance of morphology and anatomy in understanding the taxonomy of these varied groups. The relevance of endosperm development in understanding angiosperm phylogeny is discussed. The Indian component in the vegetation of the Himalayas, the importance of wild relatives of crop plants in the Indian gene centre, and evaluation of programmes and policies for a hunger free India provide very useful information. The history of ecology and its social perspective and teaching of ecology in India, besides several aspects of climatic change emphasise the need to understand the environment for sustainable development. Studies on perennation of weeds in Indian desert, biodiversity and nutrient enrichment of different ecosystems, and the relationships between urbanization and pollution have also been dealt with.
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