It’s fascinating, and I thought your explanations were clear and the illustrations helpful and fun to look at, but I will need to read this again to feel like I have a better grasp on the mechanics of plant reproduction as my background in botany is rudimentary. I brought home a pinecone from a recent trip and started looking at it differently after reading your piece. Nice work.
You ask "If you made it this far, how well did you follow that introduction to the evolution of plant reproduction? " and my answer is that 50+ years after studying this stuff at college this is perhaps the best explanation I have come across. On the other hand, this is one of the reasons that I went down the animals biology route rather than the plant one. Thanks - it's good.
Was happy to read this, and laughed when I came to the survey at the end, because in truth I was just at that moment thinking that despite careful reading I hadn't really followed it, and would probably need a couple more rounds of re-reading before I did. (I didn't need that on the earlier pieces, incidentally). Am looking forward to re-reading as often as it takes — it's really marvelous to be offered these introductions in such enjoyable language.
Haha good to know! And fair enough—this is like cramming a whole lecture series into 1000 words! Happy to answer any clarifying questions during your studies 😅
That was crystal clear Anne - I’ve read many essays on plant reproduction that have my head spinning but this is marvelous - you e filled in the gaps..!
It’s fascinating, and I thought your explanations were clear and the illustrations helpful and fun to look at, but I will need to read this again to feel like I have a better grasp on the mechanics of plant reproduction as my background in botany is rudimentary. I brought home a pinecone from a recent trip and started looking at it differently after reading your piece. Nice work.
Thanks for reading and for the feedback, Ruth!
You ask "If you made it this far, how well did you follow that introduction to the evolution of plant reproduction? " and my answer is that 50+ years after studying this stuff at college this is perhaps the best explanation I have come across. On the other hand, this is one of the reasons that I went down the animals biology route rather than the plant one. Thanks - it's good.
High praise Richard, thanks—and I don’t blame you! For me, staying put makes up for some of plants’ other challenges, haha
I upgraded my sub on the strength of this ... is the artwork yours? That is especially fine.
Well that made my day, thank you Richard! The artwork is from Wikipedia, can’t claim that!
Wow. There's a lot there to digest.
Was happy to read this, and laughed when I came to the survey at the end, because in truth I was just at that moment thinking that despite careful reading I hadn't really followed it, and would probably need a couple more rounds of re-reading before I did. (I didn't need that on the earlier pieces, incidentally). Am looking forward to re-reading as often as it takes — it's really marvelous to be offered these introductions in such enjoyable language.
Haha good to know! And fair enough—this is like cramming a whole lecture series into 1000 words! Happy to answer any clarifying questions during your studies 😅
That was crystal clear Anne - I’ve read many essays on plant reproduction that have my head spinning but this is marvelous - you e filled in the gaps..!
Thank you so much! 🌿
Woohoo, glad to hear that Susie!
I think, like @Linnesby, that I want to re-read this to really get it (and there’s a lot to get). Beautifully put together.
Thanks for your thoughtful reading and feedback!
Heterospory! Makes complete sense. I never knew!
Isn't it fun?!