BI 532 - Origins and Diversity of Land Plants

4 credits
Studies the origins of terrestrial flora and the major adaptive radiations of both living and extinct embryophytes, ferns, seed plants, and flowering plants. Emphasizes observing and interpreting plant structure and life histories in the field. Includes advanced treatment of modern plant classifications as influenced by phylogenetic analysis of paleontological and molecular evidence. Students read scientific literature addressing current problems in plant phylogenetic systematics. Two 4-hour lecture/laboratory/field sessions and weekend field trips.Prerequisite(s): BI 211, BI 212, BI 213.