Customer Reviews

Plant Biomechanics: An Engineering Approach to Plant Form and Function

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Niklas's book examines many facets of plant form and function from a primarily engineering perspective. The results are as intriguing as they are remarkable, proving once again that mother nature is still the best engineer.

I am a student in the department of Civil Engineering, and I came across this book while browsing your web site. After reading this book, I wonder why it hasn't received far more attention than it has. As an engineer, I realize that this book gives one of the very best over views of engineering principles that I've ever read. More important, this book talks about plant biology in the most fascinating way. I never realized that plants were so 'smart' -- naturally, Niklas makes it clear that plants have evolved adaptively and that their basic biology is molded by the laws of chemistry and physics. The writing is rather technical (there are a great many formulas), but Niklas makes everything perfectly clear. even though I have no training in plant biology, I understood everything the author was saying. It is very clear to me that every engineering student who has even a passing interest in biology should read this book. Actually, I'd recommend this book to anybody. It's a wonderful thing to read and own.

I am not a biologist or a civil engineer but am an electronic engineer and am very interested in other subjects. Therefore, it is of great value to obtain books exactly like K.J. Niklas book "Plant Biomechanics" since it is a very good example of a book in inter-disciplinary studies. Ideal for experts and as well as non-experts. One is confronted by a large range of interesting topics with the necessary depth, if required, but still always clear and precise. In conjunction with this book I would also like to refer to two other excellent authors: S. Vogel and M. Denny.