3.00 Credits
This course provides an introduction to plant population, physiology, and community ecology. Lectures, labs, readings, and discussions will focus on plant responses at the physiological, individual, population, and community levels to components of the living and non-living environment. The course will examine topics including plant physiological, anatomical, and reproductive responses to the physical environment, responses to intra- and interspecific competition, a survey of symbiotic relationships, and an introduction to plant conservation biology. Historic and contemporary perspectives in plant community ecology will be examined. Laboratory exercises will be field-oriented and experimental. A one day or overnight weekend field trip may be required in this class.