BIO 430
Plant Classification and Identification
Biology
College of Life Sciences
Course Description
Principles of plant systematics, taxonomy, and classification, emphasizing family recognition by sight, terminology, and use of identification keys to the temperate flora.
When Taught
Fall
Grade Rule
Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)
Min
4
Fixed
4
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Other Prerequisites
or instructor's consent
Title
Sight Identification
Learning Outcome
Students will identify by sight 43 families of flower plants, five families of gymnosperms, and several families of fern allies by recognizing differentiating features for each family.
Title
Vocabulary
Learning Outcome
Students will apply correct vocabulary for describing plant parts and be able to deduce the meaning of new terms based on knowledge of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Title
Key Use
Learning Outcome
Students will use keys and manuals to correctly identify unknown plants to species, demonstrating understanding of the primary features essential for identification within major plant groups, and how keys work.
Title
Modern Systematics
Learning Outcome
Students will articulate the significance of monophyly in the creation of modern classification systems.
Title
Taxonomic Tools
Learning Outcome
Students will demonstrate proficiencey with online databases and herbarium resources to research plant names, authorship, dates of publication, distributions, and other essential taxonomic information.
Title
Links to Other Biological Fields
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to discsss the relevance and linkages between plant systematics and biological fields such as conservation biology, ecology, evolution, and other comparative sciences.
