Botany 400 - Plant Systematics

Description:

Plant systematics: the integration of taxonomy (identification, nomenclature, classification emphasizing flowering plants), evolution (speciation, reproductive biology, adaptation, convergence, biogeography), and phylogenetics (phenetics, cladistics, morphology and molecules). Lab emphasis on representative families and genera of flowering plants in Wisconsin, use of keys and manuals, plant collection.

Prerequisite:

Botany 130 or Botany/Zoology 151-152 or equivalent, or consent of instructor

Schedule:

Lecture - 12:05-12:55 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 145 Birge

Lab 301 - 1:20-4:20 p.m. Tuesday, 243 Birge

Lab 302 - 1:20-4:20 p.m. Wednesday, 243 Birge

Lab 303 - 1:20-4:20 p.m. Thursday, 243 Birge

Staff:

Ken Sytsma, 250 Birge Hall, 262-4490 - Lecture & Lab 301

John Zaborsky, 258 Birge Hall, 262-4422 - Lab 302

Chloe Drummond, 256 Birge Hall, 262-4422 - Lab 303

Textbooks:

Black, M. and E. J. Judziewicz. 2009. Wildflowers of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region: A Comprehensive Field Guide. 2nd edition. Univ. of Wisc. Press. ISBN 9780299230

Laboratory dissecting kit; 10X hand lens (available at University Bookstore).

Course booklet - lecture outlines and laboratory manual - available at Bob's Copy Shop (208 N Charter - at corner of Charter and Dayton)

Course lecture pdfs will be available online at this website.

Recommended books: (all available in the laboratory and on reserve in the Biology Libary (Birge Hall), but recommended for those pursuing careers related to plant systematics)

Simpson, M.G. 2006. Plant Systematics. 1st editon. Elsevier-Academic Press.

Harris, J. G. and M. W. Harris. 1994. Plant Identification Terminology. An Illustrated Glossary. Spring Lake Publ. Spring Lake, Utah.

Gleason and Cronquist. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern North America. New York Bot. Gard. (2nd ed.)

Grading: 500 points

 3 lecture exams  240 points
 3 lab practicals  135 points
 1 plant collection  80 points
 3 lab projects + participation  45 points

 A  460 - 500 points  C  350 - 379 points
 AB  440 - 459 points  D  300 - 349 points
 B  400 - 439 points  F  less than 300 points
 BC  380 - 399 points    

Exam schedule:

Lecture exams: Fri., Oct. 4; Mon., Nov. 4; Fri., Dec. 13

Final exam: none

Lab practicals will be held during lab periods, as scheduled, during the weeks of lecture exams.

Plant collection:

25 plants; native or naturalized; collected, pressed, and dried; 3 mounted, all others unmounted; collections will not be returned; see Lab 1 directions for more details.

Due Friday, December 6 evening

Students who do not submit plant collections can not pass the course!