Botany
Dr Paul Bailey
12 points * Four 1-hour lectures and one 6-hour practical or equivalent project work per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: As for BOT3011
Objectives As for BOT3011.
Synopsis This subject consists of any two of the units `Ecology and evolution of the Australian flora', `Plant-animal interactions' (not offered in 1997) and `Community ecology'. The `Ecology and evolution of Australian flora' unit (prerequisites BOT2031, BOT2042, BIO2011, BIO2022) 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' (recommended BIO2011 and BIO2022) 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. `Community ecology' (prerequisite BIO2011 and BOT3011 `Research methods in biology') 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
Groves R H Australian vegetation CUP, 1981
McNally R C Ecological versatility and community ecology CUP, 1995
Putman R J Community ecology Chapman and Hall, 1994
Woodward F I Climate and plant distribution CUP, 1994
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