Objectives
Knowledge:
- History and scope of Plant Biology;
- To know the main plant classification systems;
- To know the systematic, structural and functional diversity of the main plant groups;
- To understand the evolutionary mechanisms that originated the main plant lineages;
- Understand the meaning of speciation;
- To recognize plant species endemic to the Azores;
- To understand the importance of Genetics in current studies of plant systematics;
- To understand the importance of knowledge and conservation of endemic plant lineages;
- Recognize the potential of plant species in phytoremediation and climate change mitigation.
- Describe and identify specimens of the flora of the Azores; Build a herbarium of plant specimens;
- Actively participate in group work;
- Critically analyse published case studies;
- To analyse, in a critical way, scientific points of view on the evolution of the main groups of plants.
Syllabus
Theoretical syllabus
I. Introduction to Plant Biology
- History and scope of the discipline;
- Brief review of key concepts about plant anatomy;
- Plant classification systems;
- Overview of the evolution of the main plant strains.
II. Plant Diversity and Systematics
1. Bryophyta, Marchantiophyta, Anthocerotophyta, Lycopodiophyta and Monilophyta - General
characteristics; Life cycle and reproduction, e.g. Marchantia, Selaginella, Pteridium; study of the
gametophyte and sporophyte; Diversity existing in each of the main groups, with emphasis on some more
relevant cases; Ecological, economic and environmental importance; Phylogenetic and evolutionary issues.
2. Spermatophyta
2.1. Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta, Pinophyta and Gnetophyta - General characteristics; Reproduction and life cycle e.g. Cycas, Pinus; Diversity and increased complexity within the group; Phylogenetic and evolutionary issues.
2.2. Magnoliophyta - General characteristics; Meaning and importance of the reproductive structures ovary, fruit and seed; double fertilization; mechanisms of fruit and seed dispersal; Life cycle; Monocotyledones and Eudicotyledones with reference to basal lineages and Magnoliids; morphological, biological, life-forming, and developmental diversity; Main families with interest in terms of systematics, economy and environment, e.g., Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae; Phylogenetic and evolutionary issues.
III. Genetics, Evolution and Conservation
1. Genetics: Mutations, with emphasis on ploidy alterations; heredity.
2. Evolutionary Biology: Evolution of plants; concept of speciation in plants; the case of the Azores.
3. Conservation and Environmental Biology: Biodiversity conservation; strategies and laws with a focus on the Azores; Applications of phytoremediation in environmental management; potential role of plants in climate change mitigation.
Laboratory syllabus
- Structural and functional diversity;
- Main adaptations of root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit and seed;
- Description and identification of specimens of the flora of the Azores;
- Preparation of herbarium specimens.
Teaching Methods
Teacher-centred methods will be used to impart basic theoretical knowledge, and student-centred methods will be used to facilitate the acquisition of skills and competences. Within the theoretical-practical component, the discussion of three topics in groups of 2-3 students and evaluation by the students themselves in a forum ("learning through teaching") will be worth 15% of the final grade. "Learning by discovery" will also be used, proposing the analysis of a theme, which is the starting point for the research of current bibliography on the subject, and oral presentation of the knowledge obtained by the group (10% of the final grade). The acquisition of theoretical knowledge will be evaluated through two written tests whose average will correspond to 50% of the final grade. The laboratory practice component will be evaluated through a practical test (25% of the final grade).
Bibliography
Evert R.F., Raven P.H. & S.E. Eichhorn (2012). Biology of Plants 8 Ed. W.H. Freeman.
Graham L.E., Graham J.M. & L.W. Wilcox (2024). Plant Biology 4 Ed. LJLM Press.
Judd W.S., Campbell C.S., Kellog E.A. & P.F. Stevens (1999) Plant Systematics - A Phylogenetic Approach. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland.
Outra a designar nas aulas.