Kaszab Zoltán (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 64. (Budapest 1972)
Szujkó-Lacza, J. ; Fekete, G.: A survey of the plant life-form systems and the respective research approaches IV. Taxonomic aspects of the life-form protection of the embryonal and meristematic tissues in the dormancy stage
ANNALES HISTORICO-NATURALES MUSEI NATIONALIS HUNGARICI Tomus 64. 1972. A Survey of the Plant Life-form Systems and the Respective Research Approaches IV. Taxonomic Aspects of the Life-form Protection of the embryonal and meristematic tissues in the dormancy stage J. SZUJKÓ-LACZA & G. FEKETE, Budapest In our series of papers we have heretofore discussed the antecedents leading to the evolvement of the life-form concept (SZUJKÓ-LACZA — FEKETE, 1969) and the morphological and ecological principles considered essential by workers in defining the various life-forms (FEKETE— SZUJKÓ-LACZA, 1970). In the third part we treated in detail RAUNKIAER'S life-form concept, as the theoretically best substantiated and in its system most consistent design. We have surveyed the areas of geobotanical application of the lifeform, its use in vegetation analysis and the characterization of phytoclimates, and enlarged on the critical evaluation of the connection between the coenosis of the Zurich — Montpellier school and life-form. Finally, we have attempted to delineate more precisely the life-form concept (FEKETE— SZUJKÓ-LACZA, 1971). In this fourth and last contribution of the series, we propose to discuss the taxonomic relations of the life-form and the evolution of life-forms during geological times. We should also like to touch briefly on the morphological manifestations of the life-forms : on some ecological and biological connections of bird and seed protection, including the dormancy stage and its induction. No attempt is made for the exploration of connections extant between the plant life-fo^s and other sciences. Taxonomic relations of the life-form a. Taxon and life-form Beside their stability deriving from their genetical characteristics, the taxa also harbour adaptational abilities. The life-form is one form of the ecological adaptation of the taxon. Life-form does not reflect all ecological adaptations, only the — doubtless — most important one : the adaptation to climate, and in particular to its unfavourable period. This is why the role of the life-form characteristic is so important for the taxon — during the history of the species climatic adaptation may be decisive in its survival or areal enlargement. Within one genus the species may belong to the same life-form or their lifeforms may differ. In the former case, life-form plays no role in specific differentiation, this latter being the function of the finer adaptations of the vegetative and generative organs — that is, the mechanism of expansion — in the various localities of the areal conquest. The largely Hemicryptophyton genus Carex is an example
