C(4) photosynthesis is a fascinating example of parallel evolution of a complex trait involving multiple genetic, biochemical and anatomical changes. It is seen as an adaptation to deleteriously high levels of photorespiration. The current scenario for C(4) evolution inferred from grasses is that it originated subsequent to the Oligocene decline in CO(2) levels, is promoted in open habitats, ac...

Herbivorous insects are characterized by a great diversity of host plant associations, yet, the processes driving host range evolution are not fully understood. When herbivores encounter a novel host, local selection pressures are expected to shape traits that mediate plant–insect interactions. I show that a leafmining fly, Amauromyza flavifrons (Meigen) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), suffers a profou...

A field survey of wild medicinal and industrial plant species in saline habitats in the area extended along 75 km in the Jordan Valley was carried out during 2010. Results showed occurrence of 263 species of 59 62 plant families in the region. The highest numbers were belonging to Compositae (48 species), Gramineae (18 species) and Chenopodiaceae (15 species). Species were different in densitie...