LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and understanding
The course will deal:
a) basic notions about the cell, tissues and organs;
b) knowledge on the development and organization of plants;
c) knowledge of the different methods of propagation and reproduction of plants, in particular of vascular plants;
d) insights into the main evolutionary lines and botanical nomenclature rules;
e) definition of some plants of the Italian flora, including membership of the taxonomic group and specific environmental characteristics;
f) understanding of the meaning and value of biodiversity.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course students will be able to:

- describe the features of plant cells;

- make a description and comparison of morphological and anatomical of different plant taxa;

- illustrating the main reproduction processes of Spermatophyta;

- understanding the life processes of Spermatophyta;

- distinguish the main taxonomic groups of the plant kingdom;

-  identify some species belonging to the Italian flora.

TEACHING METHODS

Class lessons, exercises and field experiences. In class exercises examples of plant organs and their modifications will be shown, and the use of dichotomous keys for plant classification will be illustrated. In field experiences, students will have the opportunity of observing and identifying some species introduced during the course.

The presence of students to lessons and field experiences is not mandatory, but strongly advised.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The basic features of plants and the role of these latter in natural environments. Structural and functional organization of plants. Affinities and differences between plants and animals. Structure and functions of plant cells: cell wall, vacuoles, and plastids. Plant tissues and anatomy. Organization and growth of plants: stem, leaf, and root. Plant organs and their modifications;  adaptation to environment.  Life processes of spermatophytes: water balance and transport; development; reproduction. The flower and double fertilization of Angiosperms. Elements of plant taxonomy. The Italian plant communities: main phytocoenoses of the Italian land, their species and distinctive features.    

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides

Available in pdf format on AulaWEB

Books

Solomon et al. 2017. Struttura e processi vitali nelle piante , VII ed. EdiSES

VENTURELLI F., VIRLI L., 1995 - Invito alla Botanica, Zanichelli, Bologna

Atlas

SPERANZA A. e CALZONI G. L., 1996. Struttura delle Piante in Immagini. Zanichelli. Bologna

Other useful books
Speranza A. e Calzoni G. L., 1996. Struttura delle Piante in Immagini. Zanichelli. Bologna
GIACOMINI V., FENAROLI L., 1958 - La Flora. Collana "Conosci l'Italia.". Touring Club Italiano,
SIMONETTI G., GOLDSTEIN M., WATSCHINGER M., 1994 - Alberi d'Europa. Mondadori
BANFI E., CONSOLINO F., 1996 - Alberi. De Agostini