OVERVIEW

Plant Biodiversity is concerned with the differentiation of plants over time in natural environments. The module is a key element in the training of a naturalist both in terms of knowledge of how it came to its current expression and in the application aspects related to its management and conservation. The evolutionary lines and plant taxa are presented, with particular reference to Angiosperms. In the module the Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons with their anatomical and-morphological differentiation and their applied modern taxonomic frameworks are deepened. Plant identification is the practical tool that leads to the recognition and identification of plant specimens based on their morphological characteristics. The different recognition approaches that have changed over the years up to the most modern tools of Integrated Taxonomy will be presented.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching provides:

- basics on the main taxonomic groups of the Pteridophyta, Gymnosprmae and Angiosperms

- insights into the evolutionary lines and rules of botanical nomenclature;

- definition of the morphological and distinctive characters of the main families of Italian flora;

- understanding of the meaning and value of biodiversity.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Specifically, the student will be able to:

- apply morphological survey methods for plant identification;

- distinguish the main taxonomic groups of the plant kingdom;

- describe the characteristics and indicate the main examples of the most important angiosperm families;

- use dichotomous keys for the identification of vascular plant species;

- identify the most important families and species of the Italian flora "by eye

- describe floral characteristics with floral diagrams and formulas.

PREREQUISITES

Basic elements in plant taxonomy

Botany Fundamentals 84030

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures (16 hours)

Laboratory exercises and field experiences (16 hours).

"Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.”

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The module will cover the following topics:

- Introduction to Integrated Systematic Botany: Taxa and nomenclature; taxonomic systems.

- Bryophyta: generalities, systematics, specific recognition keys.

- Pteridophyta (vascular cryptogams): generalities, systematics, specific recognition keys.

- Gymnosperms: generalities, systematics, specific recognition keys.

- Angiosperms: structure and morphology of flowers and fruits, taxonomic scheme of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group; Dicotyledons and Monocotyledons.

-- Exotic species in Italy: their definition and classification. Consequences on native biodiversity.

Laboratory and practical experience

- In-depth study of phytodognosy and use of dichotomous keys for the recognition of the Dicotyledon and Monocotyledon families of the Italian Flora. Field presentation of the main plant groups: mosses, ferns, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms with direct experience.

- Field excursion for live observations and collection of material for the preparation of herbarium essays

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture slides
Available in pdf format on AulaWEB at https://2022.aulaweb.unige.it

Main texts:

Strasburger E. et al. - Trattato di Botanica. Evoluzione, Sistematica ed Ecologia. X edizione italiana. Antonio Delfino Editore, Roma

Gerola F.M. - Biologia vegetale: sistematica filogenetica. III edizione. UTET. Torino 1997

Reference texts:
During the laboratory exercises will be made available keys of professional recognition of the Italian Flora for cryptophytes and spermatophytes.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See the detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/ or on the DISTAV website

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of a practical/written part and an oral part.

The written test of plant identification consists of the identification of two plant samples of the Italian flora with the use of dichotomous keys, up to the species; for admission to the oral part the written test must be passed at least up to the level of family identification. The oral test consists of open questions on the topics of the syllabus, the first one including an "on sight" recognition of a sample of one of the most important and/or common species or families of the Italian flora.

Evaluation matrix

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The practical/written test in plant identification serves to evaluate the student's ability to use correctly dichotomous keys for the identification of plant samples.

The oral exam is aimed at verifying the knowledge of the characteristics of the main plant taxa, and the understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that have led to the current plant diversity. Moreover, through the recognition "on-sight" of a sample, it serves to assess the knowledge of the main taxa, especially at the family level, of the Italian flora and the ability to identify quickly the most important diagnostic elements in the sample.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance highly recommended

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities declared to the University and wish to request compensatory instruments, dispensative measures or other for lessons, assignments and examinations, should contact both the lecturer and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability referent.