Module BO3110: Lower Plant Diversity and Evolution

Contact hours:

Description:

This module traces the broad sweep of plant evolution, from its prokaryotic origins through unicellular plankton to the immense diversity of non-flowering plants. We focus on groups of particular evolutionary, ecological or economic significance; also on native or widely-planted species and the features used in their identification. We review the range of morphology and life cycle among the algae, and take a fieldtrip to examine seaweed zonation on a rocky shore. We explore the world of mosses and liverworts - the oldest fully terrestrial group of plants. We track the evolution of vascular plants from the earliest fossils down to the present day. We see how the primitive spore was supplanted by the ‘modern’ seed, and how seed plants diversified. We explore the diversity of form and ecological strategy in groups that once dominated the land (clubmosses, horsetails, cycads) and in the still-important ferns and conifers. In the practicals, we draw on the riches of TCD’s Botanic Gardens and geological collections.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Describe all the major groups of non-flowering plants
• Tackle the identification of plants of any group
• Discuss the evolutionary relationships among the major groups of the plant world
• Explain the changing spectrum of plant groups through geological time
• Demonstrate awareness of the ecological roles of plants in marine, freshwater & terrestrial environments
• Describe in detail the economic significance of different groups of non-flowering plants
• Show enhanced appreciation of biological diversity.

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