This new edition of a successful text, originally published in 1992, has been thoroughly revised and updated to include recent advances. In addition, new chapters have been introduced to ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of seed ecology. These include evolutionary ecology of seed size, the roles of fire and of gaps in regeneration and seedling colonization. Chapters are written by internationally acknowledged experts to give a comprehensive overview of all aspects of seed ecology which will be invaluable to advanced students and researchers in seed science and plant ecology.