Furness, Carol
Job TitleResearch Palynologist
DepartmentJodrell
SectionMicromorphology
Science Teams:
- Large-Scale Syntheses
- Monocots I: General Alismatids & Lilioids
- Monocots II: Commelinids
- Malpighiales
Joined Kew: 1986
Foreign Language(s): basic French
Qualifications & Appointments
BSc, Univ. Durham
MSc, Univ. Reading
PhD, Univ. Reading.
Meeting co-ordinator, Palynology Specialist Group, Linnean Society
Editor, Grana
Role
Research on structure, development and evolution of pollen and anther characters in angiosperms. Publishing peer-reviewed papers, including some in high impact journals.
Involved in ongoing collaborative projects aimed at (1) reviewing pollen and anther characters of systematic significance throughout the angiosperms, e.g. tapetum type, microsporogenesis, inaperturate pollen, and (2) carrying out more detailed studies of specific target groups, particularly Alismatales and Malpighiales. Research techniques include light microscopy and both scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Other activities include supervision of MSc and PhD students, and research visitors; the organisation of an annual one-day symposium for the Linnean Society Palynology Specialist Group; and editing papers for the journal Grana. Invited keynote speaker at the Joint 12th International Palynological Congress and 8th International Organisation for Palaeobotany Conference, Bonn 2008.
Projects
Selected Recent Publications
Furness, C. A. & Banks, H. (2010). Pollen evolution in the early divergent monocot order Alismatales. International Journal of Plant Sciences 171: 713-739.
Furness, C. A. & Rudall, P. J. (2011). Selective microspore abortion correlated with aneuploidy: an indication of meiotic drive. Sexual Plant Reproduction 24: 1-8.
Furness, C. A. (2009). Pollen evolution and development in Ericaceae, with particular reference to pseudomonads and variable pollen sterility in Styphelioideae. International Journal of Plant Sciences 170: 476-495.
Furness, C. A. (2008). A review of the distribution of plasmodial and invasive tapeta in eudicots. International Journal of Plant Sciences 169: 207-223.
Nadot, S., Furness, C. A., Sannier, J., Penet, L., Triki-Teurtroy, S., Albert, B. & Ressayre, A. (2008). Phylogenetic comparative analysis of microsporogenesis in angiosperms with a focus on monocots. American Journal of Botany 95: 1426-1436.
Selected Earlier Publications
Furness, C. A. & Rudall, P. J. (2004). Pollen aperture evolution – a crucial factor for eudicot success? Trends in Plant Science 9: 154-158.
Furness, C. A. (2007). Why does some pollen lack apertures? A review of inaperturate pollen in eudicots. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 155: 29-48.
Furness, C. A., Rudall, P. J. & Sampson, F. B. (2002). Evolution of microsporogenesis in angiosperms. International Journal of Plant sciences 163: 235-260.
Furness, C. A. & Rudall, P. J. (1999). Microsporogenesis in monocotyledons. Annals of Botany 84: 475-499.
Furness, C. A. & Rudall, P. J. (1998). The tapetum and systematics in monocotyledons. The Botanical Review 64: 201-239.
