Summarizes recent findings that help in understanding how evolution has brought about the diversity of plant life that presently exists. Discusses basic concepts of evolution, diversity and classification, the three-line hypothesis of plant evolution, the origin of fungi, and the geologic time table. Included are 31 references. (CW)

This book is one in a series designed to provide access to a wide range of selected articles from magazines, newspapers, and journals. This volume contains 46 articles by scientists, educators, researchers, and writers providing effective and useful perspectives on today's important topics in the study of biology. Articles included in this guide…