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.
 

FAQ: Systematic review of plant sex terms?

What is a systematic review of plant sex terms?

A systematic review of plant sex terms involves a comprehensive and structured analysis of the terminology used to describe the sexual characteristics and reproductive strategies of plants. This includes evaluating the consistency, accuracy, and clarity of terms across scientific literature.

Why is it important to standardize plant sex terminology?

Standardizing plant sex terminology is crucial for ensuring clear communication and understanding among researchers, educators, and students. It helps avoid confusion and misinterpretation of scientific findings, facilitates comparative studies, and supports the advancement of botanical science.

What are some common terms used in plant sex terminology?

Common terms in plant sex terminology include "monoecious" (plants with both male and female reproductive organs), "dioecious" (plants with separate male and female individuals), "hermaphroditic" (plants with both male and female reproductive organs in the same flower), and "gynoecious" (plants with only female flowers).

How do researchers conduct a systematic review of plant sex terms?

Researchers conduct a systematic review of plant sex terms by following a structured methodology that includes defining the scope of the review, searching relevant databases for literature, selecting studies based on predefined criteria, extracting and analyzing data, and synthesizing the findings to draw conclusions about the usage and consistency of terms.

What challenges might arise during a systematic review of plant sex terms?

Challenges in conducting a systematic review of plant sex terms may include dealing with a large volume of literature, variations in terminology across different studies, historical changes in language, and the need to reconcile conflicting definitions. Additionally, interdisciplinary differences in terminology usage can complicate the review process.

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