72907 - Vegetation and Landscape Ecology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course , students will have knowledge of: - the fundamentals of population ecology and plant communities (vegetation science) and the central role of these in landscape - the role of plants as ecological indicator, in a multi-scalar and multi-temporal context, - the role of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, - the problems affecting the management and conservation plant biodiversity. The student will also be able to: - use advanced techniques and methodologies for the assessment, monitoring and management of plant component in different environmental contexts; - to apply such of knowledge to environmental issues, management and conservation of the territory.

Course contents

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

Flora and vegetation. 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. Main Italian vegetation types. Biomes of the Earth.

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

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

Vegetation conservation, management and restoration. Ecological Network. Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) and Natura 2000.

Readings/Bibliography

Ubaldi D., 2003. Flora, fitocenosi e ambiente. CLUEB Bologna.
Ferrari C., Pezzi G. 2012. Paesaggio. Ambiente, spazio, luogo, memoria. Diabasis, Reggio Emilia.
Papers (in english) discussed during lessons and practicals.

Further readings (available at the BiGEA library, via Irnerio 42)
van der Maarel E. (a cura di) 2005. Vegetation Ecology. Blackwell Publishing 
Pignatti S. (a cura di) 1995. Ecologia vegetale. UTET

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and practicals in lab.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

Teaching tools

Power Point presentation. Use of GIS software open source for practicals. Scientific paper (english) discussed during lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Pezzi