500 Million Years of Land Plants

Explores the evolution of terrestrial plants and the ecosystems they structure. Introduces the fossil record of plants and basic patterns of plant diversification on land. Highlights major trends in the evolution of plant morphology, anatomy, and ecology. Lectures survey the diversity and community structure of different geological time periods. Weekly discussion sections, field trips, and assignments examine major evolutionary trends, particularly with regard to climatic changes over time. Expected: BIOL 0400 , BIOL 0430 , (or equivalent placement). Enrollment limited to 15 students; instructor permission; register for section and conference.