Plant Systematics and Biogeography

1
Plant Systematics and Biogeography

• BIOL 3015/3915

Prerequisites Plant Ecology and Diversity (BIOL
2004 or 2904) and 8 credits of any other
intermediate Biology unit of study
2
Plant Systematics and Biogeography
Lectures provide an opportunity for students to
explore current concepts (and conflicts)
concerning the theory and practice of recognizing
evolutionary units of plants. Practical sessions
and field-trips expand upon concepts covered in
the lectures by using real data in an independent
project. Two of the practical sessions will held
be at the molecular lab of the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Sydney. A weekend field-trip to the
central coast emphasizes plant identification
skills in rainforest, heath and sclerophyll
habitats.
3
Plant Systematics and Biogeography
At the end of the unit you should have an
understanding of
The diversity of the Australian flora.
The factors (past and present) that determine
plant distribution in Australia.
The theory and practice of modern plant
systematics.
The interpretation and generation of phylogenetic
trees and their use in systematics and historical
biogeography.
The relevance of the various types of data (e.g.
molecular and morphological data) in resolving
evolutionary patterns in the Australian flora.
4
Plant Systematics and Biogeography
Assessment Nomenclatural exercise. 15 Indepen
dent project. 30 Plant identification (very
informal). 5 Take-home exam. 50