title: Recurrent abnormalities in conifer cones and the evolutionary origins of flower-like structures.
abstract: Conifer cones are reproductive structures that are typically of restricted growth and either exclusively pollen-bearing (male) or exclusively ovule-bearing (female). Here, we review two common spontaneous developmental abnormalities of conifer cones: proliferated cones, in which the apex grows vegetatively, and bisexual cones, which possess both male and female structures. Emerging developmental genetic data, combined with evidence from comparative morphology, ontogeny and palaeobotany, provide new insights into the evolution of both cones and flowers, and prompt novel strategies for understanding seed-plant evolution.
authors.affiliation: Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW93DS, UK. p.rudall@kew.org
authors.forename: Paula J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Rudall
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hilton
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vergara-Silva
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bateman
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D009154:Mutation; D056771:Ovule / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D010802:Phylogeny; D011058:Pollen / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics; D012639:Seeds / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D064028:Tracheophyta / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*