- Plant Systematics

Catalog description

In Plant Systematics students learn about evolutionary relationships of the major groups of vascular plants, with emphasis on the flowering plants. Using living plant material whenever possible, students examine both vegetative and reproductive morphology of plants, and develop and practice skills of organization, observation, decision-making, and memorization. Students engage with primary literature and writing through examining the history of classification of modern plant families. Field-based activities engage students in collecting, pressing, mounting, and keying local species. Understanding evolutionary relationships among modern plant families is a central theme. This course provides important background for students planning to do fieldwork in ecology, conservation, plant-animal interactions, environmental education, and related subjects. Plant Systematics fulfills the biological diversity requirement for the biology major and minor.