BIO2181 · Evolution of plant diversity

Overview

This unit examines the diversity of plant life, how plants evolved and how they live and grow. Topics cover evolutionary theory, the interpretation and use of phylogenetic trees in biodiversity research, plant form and function, and plant physiology. The unit provides an overview of the characteristics of algae, bryophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. As we move through this diverse range of plants we discuss their evolutionary relationships and the adaptive significance of their key features, including the evolution of physiological and anatomical adaptations to different biomes.

Areas of study: Ecology and conservation biology Plant sciences

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the evolutionary (i.e. phylogenetic) relationships among major plant lineages;
2. Describe the major structural innovations of each group and how they function;
3. Describe key physiological processes in plants and how they have evolved;
4. Describe the influence of evolutionary history and of the environment on biogeographic patterns of species occurrence, from community to continental scales;
5. Demonstrate a basic ability to identify species of the Australian flora with the aid of taxonomic keys.

Workload

• One 1-hour lecture; • One 1-hour seminar; • One 3-hour practical (or equivalent) and • Seven hours of independent study per week. This unit may involve informal and formal excursions (unfunded).

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.