65848 - Plant Biodiversity

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has the basic knowledge on the main groups of autotrophic livings, as well as  on the biology of fungi and bacteria. It is able to recognize some families of Spermatophytes of agro-forestry interest and to correctly use the scientific botanical nomenclature. He also knows the main approaches to the study of plant diversity and the main regulations for protecting biodiversity. With reference to the regional territory, the student knows the distribution of the most widespread forest communities and is able to recognize the most widespread wood species.

Course contents

Systematics, taxonomy, classification, criteria and taxonomic models. Definition of species and other systematic categories; nomenclature rules. Characters with taxonomic value: morphology. Plant evolution and phylogenesis; processes of speciation

Bacteria, algae, bryophytes and pteridophytes: general characteristics, evolutionary importance, life cycle, ecology, distribution and applied importance, hints of systematics.

Fungi. Myxomycota. Eumycota: morphological organization, metabolism, reproduction. Systematics of the main groups of agricultural and food interest. Symbiontic associations: Lichens, Mycorrhiza.

Spermatophytes: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, their evolutionary importance and ontogenetic cycle. The appearance of the ovule: origin, structure and function; development of ovules and pollen sacs, macro- and microsporogenesis. The flower and the fruit: functions and types. The seed and its germination; dissemination method. Outline of the main living systematic groups and their importance in applied disciplines (particular attention will be given to species of agricultural, forest and food interest); morphological differences between Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons. Plants in relation to the environment: hydrophytes, xerophytes, halophytes.

Elements of phytogeography. Factors affecting the distribution of terrestrial plants, distribution areas and chorotypes, biological forms, biomes, vegetation dynamics.

Plant biodiversity: Concept of biodiversity and "ecosystem services". Concept of functional groups. Hotspots of biodiversity in the world. Biodiversity threats. Protection of biodiversity: habitat conservation, ecological corridors, seed banks (from Vavilov to Svalbard). Biodiversity assessment.

Plants of economic interest. Food plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, plants as source of bioactive compounds, plants as environmental purifiers, allergen producing plants.

Insights: Floristic survey techniques and use of the analytical keys of vascular plants; herbariums, preparation methods and importance

Readings/Bibliography

Slides of the lessons in English language may be provided by the teacher upon request. Additionally readings/bibliography on systematic botany are suggested. Examples:

- Judd, W.S.; Campbell, C.S.; Kellogg, E.A.; Stevens, P.F. & Donoghue, M.J. 2015. Plant Systematics: a Phylogenetic Approach, 4th edn. Sinauer 

- Simpson, M.G. 2009. Plant Systematics, 2nd edition. Academic Press (Elsevier), Berlington, San Diego & Oxford. 

Teaching methods

Lectures, exercises in the classroom, in the laboratory and in the field. The course also includes a visit to the University Botanical Garden

Assessment methods

Multiple choice test with 30 questions. Score: correct answers +1, no answer 0, wrong 0. Minimum vote 18 for admission to the oral exam concerning the program and the herbarium set up by the student or as an alternative on a special focus on a course theme. The attribution of the final grade will take into account: the level of knowledge of the contents, the ability to reason and the connection between the acquired knowledge and the mastery of expression. The herbarium (minimum 10 plants, with the indication of student contact details) must be delivered for evaluation at the teacher's office at least 15 days prior to your preferred exam date.

Teaching tools

Microscopes for botanical laboratory. The material presented during the lessons (powerpoint slides) is available to students on the IOL teaching platform

Office hours

See the website of Ilaria Marotti