BIOPL 2300 - Global Plant Biodiversity and Vegetation

(PBS)

Fall. 3-5 credits, variable.

Three credits without field trip, 5 credits with field trip.

K. Nixon.

Plants are distributed across the globe in distinctive vegetation types. Intended for students with minimal or no plant science background. Discusses factors determining vegetation structure, plant diversity, biodiversity hotspots, plant adaptations, human-plant interactions and climate change. An optional field trip to Latin America provides hands-on study of vegetation.

Outcome 1: Recognize and understand the role of evolutionary adaptation to various habitats and ecological challenges as reflected in plant form and function on a global scale.

Outcome 2: Be able to predict the nature and composition and physiognomy of vegetation throughout the world based on understanding of plant interactions with climate, geology, soils, latitude, topography and adjacent ocean currents.

Outcome 3: Understand historical aspects of changes in vegetation due to human utilization and impact on ecosystems.

Outcome 4: Integrate concepts of evolutionary adaptation, historical processes and climate to understand major ecosystems globally.