The Evolution of Plant Diversity

Examines the evolutionary history of plants from a phylogenetic perspective. Introduces the principles of phylogenetics and the use of phylogenies to understand organismal evolution. Highlights major trends in plant evolution over the past 400 million years. Lectures survey major plant lineages, with special focus on flowering plants. Weekly labs and assignments stress basic plant anatomy and morphology, identification, and learning to recognize and appreciate the abundance, diversity, and uses of plants in daily life. Expected: BIOL 0200 (or equivalent placement).