Botany
Dr Don Gaff
12 points * 10 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: BOT3011 or permission of the head of the department
This subject consists of any two of the units `Ecology and evolution of the Australian flora', `Plant-animal interactions', `Plant cell biology' and `Community ecology'. The `Ecology and evolution' unit studies the distribution of major vegetation formations, dynamics of regeneration, and the origin of Australian land plants with special emphasis on rainforest and sclerophyll elements. There will be a field excursion in the semester break, and day excursions to various localities. Plant-animal interactions reviews the scope of such interactions and describes approaches to their study, focusing primarily on terrestrial plants and their animal associates. Basic classes of interactions covered include plant/herbivore relationships, plant/pollinator interactions and seed predation and dispersal by animals. Implications of interactions are considered at the individual, population and community levels of organisation. `Plant cell biology' deals with structural and molecular aspects of developmental processes in plant cells and the response of cells to environmental stimuli. Topics include the cytoskeleton, cell wall formation, cytokinesis, steady ion currents, intercellular communication, gravitropism, phototropism, and the role of calcium in plant development. `Community ecology' involves study of factors important in controlling local and biogeographic patterns of diversity. The unit considers patterns and processes within communities in relation to the development of ideas in community ecology, and integrates zoological and botanical concepts.
Assessment
Examinations (5 hours): 60% * Practical work/Fieldwork: 40%
Recommended texts
Alberts and others Molecular biology of the cell 2nd edn, Garland Publishing, 1989
Groves R H Australian vegetation CUP, 1981
Woodward F I Climate and plant distribution CUP, 1987