19759 - Environmental Botany

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has an understanding of the role of plants as ecological indicators. He knows the basics of phytogeography, geobotany, and vegetation science. Is able to apply such of knowledge to environmental issues.

Course contents

Autoecology. Habitat and ecological factors. Plant strategies. Adaptation. Life cycle. Plant dispersal. Biotic interactions.

Flora and vegetation. Plant species classification. Flora. Geographic distribution of plant species and chorotypes. Life forms. Vegetation. Climate and vegetation. Spatial distribution of plant communities. Abiotic and biotic factors affecting vegetation. Vegetation dynamics. Biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Plant invasions and invisibility of plant communities. Vegetation and Habitats.

Landscape.Genesis, structure, dynamics. Patch-corridor-matrix model, and alternative landscape models. Diversity; heterogeneity; connectivity; fragmentation. Man and landscape. Land use and Ecosystem Services. European Landscape Convention.

Flora, vegetation, landscape. Sampling design and methods; cartographic representation; analysis.

Plants as bioindicators and in environmental monitoring. Phytoremediation. Vegetation conservation, management, and restoration. Ecological Network. Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) and Natura 2000.

Readings/Bibliography

Ubaldi D., 2012. Guida allo studio della flora e della vegetazione. CLUEB Bologna

Ferrari C., Pezzi G. 2013. L'ecologia del paesaggio. Collana "Universale Paperbacks il Mulino"

Papers (in english) discussed during lessons and practicals.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and practicals.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

Teaching tools

Power Point presentation. Keys and similar devices for plant identification. Use of GIS software open source, WebGIS and interactive cartography for practicals. Scientific paper (english) discussed during lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Pezzi