Geobotany
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge about the causes, remote and recent, of plant species and biomes distribution both at global and at Italian scale. Present and past distribution of vegetation will be described as a function of the main environmental factor.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge of the distribution of species and biomes with particular reference to Italian vegetation.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Present distribution of plants as a result of tspecies history and ecology. Origin, evolution and migration of plants in relation to geological events: paleozoic, mesozoic and Cenozoic floras. Ice Ages and their legacy. Holocene.
Distribution range. Floristic regions of the world, Europe and Italy.
Endemism and vicariance with particular reference to Italian flora.
Ecological factors: climate and soil. Climatic regimes and main soil-forming processes.
Present distribution of the vegetation in the world: climate and latitudinal and altitudinal distribution of vegetation. Biomes.
Vegetation belts in Italy according to different authors. Main vegetation types in Italy: Oak, beech and other broad-leaved forests. Pine, fir and spruce forests. Heathlands and grasslands. Azonal vegetation. Seminatural communities: meadows and pastures. Basic concepts of phytosociology: the main vegetation classes. The Habitat directive
Distribution range. Floristic regions of the world, Europe and Italy.
Endemism and vicariance with particular reference to Italian flora.
Ecological factors: climate and soil. Climatic regimes and main soil-forming processes.
Present distribution of the vegetation in the world: climate and latitudinal and altitudinal distribution of vegetation. Biomes.
Vegetation belts in Italy according to different authors. Main vegetation types in Italy: Oak, beech and other broad-leaved forests. Pine, fir and spruce forests. Heathlands and grasslands. Azonal vegetation. Seminatural communities: meadows and pastures. Basic concepts of phytosociology: the main vegetation classes. The Habitat directive
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Botany and Geography
Teaching methods
Classroom lessons and field activities in areas representative of some of the main Italian vegetation types
Teaching Resources
Course slides are available on the ariel website.
Specific texts will be provided during the course and are available on the ariel website: C. Blasi, E. Biondi (eds.) La Flora in Italia, 2017. Ministero dell'Ambiente http://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/biblioteca/protezione_natura/LaFloraInItalia.pdf
Specific texts will be provided during the course and are available on the ariel website: C. Blasi, E. Biondi (eds.) La Flora in Italia, 2017. Ministero dell'Ambiente http://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/biblioteca/protezione_natura/LaFloraInItalia.pdf
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam consisting of a discussion about the subjects discussed during the course and/or request of discussion of graphs, maps and figures shown during the course and available on the ariel website. Answers will be evaluated considering the understanding of the subject, clarity and correctness of language. The grades are on a scale of 30. The student must acquire the knowledge of theplant cover and landscapeand of the factors determining it; the knowledge of the dominant plant species of the main plant communities of Italy is also required.
BIO/02 - SYSTEMATIC BOTANY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Caccianiga Marco Stefano
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday-Friday on appointment
2 floor building C Department of Biosciences