The Plant Kingdom – The Foundation of Thriving Systems

Alberts, B., Johnson, A., & Lewis, J. et al. (2014). Molecular Biology of the Cell. Garland Science.
Explores photosynthesis and plant cell structures, foundational to understanding plants as energy producers.

Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I. M., & Murphy, A. (2015). Plant Physiology and Development. Sinauer Associates.
Detailed exploration of plant metabolism, photosynthesis, and their ecological roles.

Raven, P. H., Evert, R. F., & Eichhorn, S. E. (2013). Biology of Plants. W.H. Freeman.
Examines plants’ roles as primary producers and their adaptations to diverse ecosystems.

Berner, R. A., & Canfield, D. E. (1989). “A new model for atmospheric oxygen over Phanerozoic time.” American Journal of Science, 289(4), 333–361.
Examines how plants contributed to atmospheric oxygenation, setting the stage for the evolution and flourishing of aerobic life.

Hopkins, W. G. & Hüner, N. P. A. (2008). Introduction to Plant Physiology. Wiley.
Explains molecular pathways of glucose formation and energy production in plants.

Smil, V. (2017). Energy and Civilisation: A History. MIT Press.
Discusses the role of photosynthesis in ecological energy systems and human history.

Odum, E. P. (1971). Fundamentals of Ecology. W.B. Saunders.
Explains energy flow through trophic levels and the ecological efficiency of plants as primary producers.

Vitousek, P. M., Ehrlich, P. R., Ehrlich, A. H., et al. (1986). “Human appropriation of the products of photosynthesis.” BioScience, 36(6), 368–373.
Analyses how human utilisation of plant-produced energy (photosynthesis) affects ecological systems, resource efficiency, and environmental balance.

Paine, R. T. (1969). “A note on trophic complexity and community stability.” The American Naturalist, 103(929), 91–93.
Discusses the stability of ecosystems through trophic interactions, emphasising plants’ foundational roles.

Barbour, M. G., Burk, J. H., & Pitts, W. D. (1999). Terrestrial Plant Ecology. Benjamin Cummings.
Discusses seed dispersal mechanisms and their importance in plant reproduction.

Janzen, D. H. (1971). “Seed predation by animals.” Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 2, 465–492.
Analyses the role of animals in seed dispersal and plant reproductive success.

Simard, S. W., Perry, D. A., Jones, M. D., Myrold, D. D., Durall, D. M., & Molina, R. (1997). “Net transfer of carbon between ectomycorrhizal tree species in the field.” Nature, 388(6642), 579–582.
Provides direct experimental evidence for carbon transfer and communication between trees through mycorrhizal networks, illustrating plant–fungal symbiosis and resource sharing.

Harrison, M. J. (2005). “Signalling in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.” Annual Review of Microbiology, 59, 19–42.
Examines the biochemical signalling pathways that facilitate the mutualistic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi, emphasising their role in ecological balance and resilience.

Levin, S. A. (1998). “Ecosystems and the biosphere as complex adaptive systems.” Ecosystems, 1(5), 431–436.
Discusses ecosystems as adaptive, interconnected systems, highlighting plant–fungal symbiotic relationships as key examples of ecological resilience and adaptability.

Turnbaugh, P. J., Ley, R. E., Hamady, M., et al. (2007). “The human microbiome project: Exploring the microbial part of ourselves.” Nature, 449(7164), 804–810.
Explores the human microbiome’s ecological and evolutionary aspects, emphasising dietary fibre’s central role in shaping gut microbiota and systemic health.

Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018). “Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers.” Science, 360(6392), 987–992.
Analyses the ecological impacts of dietary choices, highlighting the benefits of plant-based diets in reducing environmental harm and enhancing sustainability.

Tilman, D., & Clark, M. (2014). “Global diets link environmental sustainability and human health.” Nature, 515(7528), 518–522.
Examines the interconnectedness of dietary patterns, environmental sustainability, and human health, emphasising the benefits of plant-based diets for ecological balance and personal well-being.

Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K., et al. (2009). “Planetary boundaries: Exploring the safe operating space for humanity.” Ecology and Society, 14(2), 32.
Discusses planetary boundaries and the essential role plants play in maintaining ecological stability, nutrient cycling, and supporting sustainable ecosystems.

Trewavas, A. (2003). “Aspects of plant intelligence.” Annals of Botany, 92(1), 1–20.
Explores adaptive behaviours and signalling mechanisms in plants, emphasising their ecological interactions and intelligent responses to environmental challenges.

Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. Ten Speed Press.
Explores how mycelial networks optimise plant ecosystems through nutrient exchange.

Malloch, D., Pirozynski, K. A., & Raven, P. H. (1980). “Ecological and evolutionary significance of mycorrhizal symbioses in vascular plants.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 77(4), 2113–2118.
Examines the ecological and evolutionary importance of symbiotic relationships between plants and mycorrhizal fungi, highlighting their role in sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Chapin, F. S., Matson, P. A., & Vitousek, P. M. (2011). Principles of Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology. Springer.
Examines plants’ roles in nutrient cycling and biodiversity maintenance.

Malhi, Y., Baldocchi, D. D., & Jarvis, P. G. (1999). “The carbon balance of tropical, temperate and boreal forests.” Plant, Cell & Environment, 22(6), 715–740.
Explores how forests contribute to carbon sequestration, highlighting their critical role in maintaining atmospheric balance and global ecological stability.