PROFESSOR: Dr. R. Brooke                                    Office: B8234 (Phone: 291-3539/3304)

PREREQUISITES: BISC 204 and 75 semester hours

Quantitative and qualitative aspects of the distribution, dynamics and ecology of terrestrial plants.

Vegetation/environment pattern at different scales (vegetation zones, and vegetation/species pattern within zones due to microclimatic and soil influences) are discussed within the framework of the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification used in British Columbia.

Plant life-forms, adaptations and responses of plants which influence growth and survival in shade, low temperatures, high temperatures, wetlands, as well as disturbance and other stresses (fire, tree harvesting, competition) are examined.

FIELD TRIPS:

There are two 1/2 day and one 5-day field trips in the course. The 5-day trip spans a weekend during the 3rd week of classes and provides field experience on the variable vegetation cover and environmental influences across southern British Columbia to the Rocky Mountain area of Jasper and Banff National Parks. Habitats examined include mature and successional forest communities, semi-grassland, riparian thickets, marshes, fens, bogs, subalpine meadow and tree-line habitats.

An objective of these trips is to become familiar with many plants which are useful ecological indicator species of different zones and habitats.

Formal labs for this course are usually completed by mid-October because of the equivalent lab-time used on the 5-day field trip.

TEXTBOOK:

None - Recommended for Field Trips and Practical Exam: "Plants of Coastal British Columbia", "Plants of Southern British Columbia"

EXAMINATIONS AND COURSE GRADE:

Midterm 30% (final exam, 1st part of course)
Sampling lab 10%
Practical exam 30% (plant material from field trips)
Final exam 30% (final exam, 2nd part of course)