Plant Ecology, Evolution and Diversification
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course provides knowledge and tools to detect genetic and ecological variation patterns and the evolutionary mechanisms shaping plant species. The understanding of this variation has implications for the study of biodiversity and its geographic and taxonomic distribution, and, in general, for the general interpretation of plant traits.
Expected learning outcomes
The students will acquire theoretical and practical skills to examine plant evolutionary processes.
They will have a broad understanding of species complexity as evolutionary units and of their
dynamics. These skills can be applied to biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use.
They will have a broad understanding of species complexity as evolutionary units and of their
dynamics. These skills can be applied to biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Biodiversity crisis and plant evolution.
Main evolutionary theories.
Phenotypic variation: adaptation and phenotypic plasticity.
Ecotype concept.
Genetic traits: factors producing genetic variation and methods to detect it.
Diversity patterns in wild populations: gene flow and population structure.
Life history traits: breeding system, life cycle, dispersal, distribution range.
Polyploidy and genome size variation.
Hybridization, introgression and hybrid zones.
Speciation: factors causing reproductive isolation.
Phylogenetic analysis.
Species concept.
Invasive species and protected species: evolutionary implications.
Main evolutionary theories.
Phenotypic variation: adaptation and phenotypic plasticity.
Ecotype concept.
Genetic traits: factors producing genetic variation and methods to detect it.
Diversity patterns in wild populations: gene flow and population structure.
Life history traits: breeding system, life cycle, dispersal, distribution range.
Polyploidy and genome size variation.
Hybridization, introgression and hybrid zones.
Speciation: factors causing reproductive isolation.
Phylogenetic analysis.
Species concept.
Invasive species and protected species: evolutionary implications.
Prerequisites for admission
A good knowledge of Botany (biology and systematics) and Genetics.
Teaching methods
Lectures with ppt slides. Class exercises. The students are requested to bring their own laptop to access data analysis programmes and search data in global databases and in the scientific literature. The aim of these exercises is to search and elaborate data for a project (that can be individual or in groups) concering the evolutionary patterns in a species chosen by the student. Lectures are sometimes replaced by seminars and presentations/ discussion of case studies, including those proposed by the students relevant to their own projects. The active involvement of the students in the discussion will provide an opportunity to practice their critical capacity, the elaboration of acquired concepts and the ability to communicate evolutionary concepts.
Teaching Resources
e-book: Plant diversity and evolution: genotypic and phenotypic variation in higher plants. Henry R.J. DOI 10.1079/9780851999043.0000
This book does not cover all topics of the programme and will be integrated with scientific literature.
This book does not cover all topics of the programme and will be integrated with scientific literature.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam. The student will present and discuss the major factors generating diversity and driving evolution within a chosen species with a short ppt presentation. Additional questions on the programme topics will complete the exam. Both the project prepared by the student and the answers will be evaluated, considering the level of knowledge achieved and the logical capacity to link and integrate the evolutionary topics using a correct terminology.
BIO/02 - SYSTEMATIC BOTANY - University credits: 4
BIO/03 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND APPLIED BOTANY - University credits: 2
BIO/03 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND APPLIED BOTANY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Lambertini Carla
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Professor(s)