Plant Ecology

Undergraduate

Plants are diverse, ubiquitous, and important, acting as key players in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In this course, we will explore the processes by which plants acquire resources, grow, and reproduce, the remarkable range of plant life histories, and the various ways that plants interact with the biotic and abiotic environment. We will examine the major questions and underlying theories of plant ecophysiology, population ecology, and community ecology as a means of understanding how fundamental ecological principles apply to plants, including critical reading and discussion of scientific literature. Through “plant walks” around campus, students will gain practical experience in data collection techniques used in plant ecological research.