Systematic review of plant sex terms?

In summary: These would be good starting points for finding terminology for the possible sex structures of plant populations. In summary, the possible sex structures of plant populations can be found in an advanced botany textbook, a monograph, or an annual review article. These sources will provide terminology for the 30 different terms associated with the 7 possible sexes and the 125 possible sex structures. However, it may be difficult to find a single source that covers all of the information and there may be variation in terminology used among different groups of plants.
  • #1
snorkack
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Where could you find a systematic review of terms specifying the possible sex structures of plant populations?
This
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_reproductive_morphology
has a list of 30 terms, arranged by alphabet not meaning, containing many synonyms...

It seems to me that a plant having in general several flowers and being as per premise sexually active can be in any of 7 sexes. And a plant population which successfully practices sexual reproduction can have 125 sex structures. So where could it be checked which of these have several names, which a single name and which no name? Which of the 125 are common, which rare but do occur, are there any that are completely absent?
The possible sexes of a plant individual having generally several flowers are:
1) Female - several or one female flowers and no male or middle sex flowers
2) Male - several or one male flowers and no female or middle sex flowers
and then 5 distinct middle sexes:
3) Female and male flowers but no middle sex flowers
4) Female, male and middle sex flowers
5) Female and middle sex flowers but no male flowers
6) Male and middle sex flowers but no female flowers
7) Several or one middle sex flowers but no female or male flowers.
The sex structures for a population that might have a middle sex and per premise successfully sexually reproducing have 5 options
1) No middle sex - only females and males
2) All three sexes
3) Females and middle sex individuals but no males
4) Males and middle sex individuals but no females
5) Only middle sex individuals, no females or males.

But when there are 5 distinct middle sexes, each of the 4 options including a middle sex consists of 31 variants depending on which middle sexes are present or absent. Which makes a grand total of 1+4*31=125, as stated above
So what could be good sources to check terminology of these structures?
 
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  • #2
This sounds to me like a something that could be difficult to find a single source covering all you describe.
Different terms used in different groups of plants for the same thing would not be surprising.
The terminology may be in a transition state now, making it more difficult.
Taxonomy has similar problems. The smaller your set of conditions, the more likely you will find a single satisfactory reference.

snorkack said:
So what could be good sources to check terminology of these structures?
An advanced botany text book, a monograph on the subject, maybe an annual review article on the subject.
 

1. What is a systematic review of plant sex terms?

A systematic review of plant sex terms is a comprehensive and structured analysis of existing literature on the terminology used to describe plant reproductive structures and processes. It involves identifying, selecting, and critically evaluating relevant studies to provide a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on plant sex terms.

2. Why is a systematic review of plant sex terms important?

A systematic review of plant sex terms is important because it helps to clarify and standardize the terminology used in plant reproductive biology. This can improve communication and understanding among researchers and aid in the development of more accurate and consistent descriptions of plant reproductive processes.

3. How is a systematic review of plant sex terms conducted?

A systematic review of plant sex terms typically involves the following steps: identifying a research question, searching for relevant studies, screening and selecting studies based on pre-defined criteria, extracting data and synthesizing findings, and critically evaluating the quality of included studies.

4. What are the potential limitations of a systematic review of plant sex terms?

Some potential limitations of a systematic review of plant sex terms include the potential for bias in the selection of studies, the quality of included studies, and the generalizability of findings. Additionally, the availability and quality of existing literature on plant sex terms may also impact the results of the review.

5. How can the findings of a systematic review of plant sex terms be used?

The findings of a systematic review of plant sex terms can be used to inform future research, guide the development of standardized terminology, and improve communication and understanding among researchers in the field of plant reproductive biology. Additionally, the findings may also have practical applications in fields such as agriculture and conservation.

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