To give a broad overview of the vegetation zones of the Earth with mention of the ecological processes causing extant distribution patterns. To give an introduction to historical biogeographic theories.
Contents
The lectures will describe main vegetation types with special reference to climatic and edaphic factors that cause their distribution. Proberties like floristic composition, diversity and dynamics will be emphasized. A number of tematic lectures will focus on specific issues such as azonal vegetation, biogeographic theories, or phytogeographic history of selected plant groups.
The seminars will be based on original literature and will mainly focus on historical phytogeography. Each student will be given an assignment on an optional subject. The results will be presented at a concluding meeting. A panel composed of fellow students and teachers will evaluate both the assignment and the presentation.
A one week´s field course within the European flora region the following summer is compulsory. To pass the course the student must turn in a written assignment one month after the return to Denmark at the latest.
Teaching curriculum: 3 hrs. lectures (2+1) for 13 weeks + 3 hrs. seminars for 6 weeks. One week´s field course in the European floristic region.
Obligatory program: Seminars and field course.
Text-books
Compulsory:
O. W. Archibold. 1995. Ecology of World Vegetation - Chapman & Hall, London.
Title of book on World climates will be informed later.
Recommended:
Bridges, E. M. 1978 World Soils (2. ed.) - Cambridge University Press.
Heywood, V. H. 1993. Flowering Plants of the World - Batsford, London.
Teachers
Anders S. Barfod (anders.barfod@biology.aau.dk) and invited guest lecturers.
ECTS-credits
10
Evaluation
Oral examination based on the assignment written in connection with the seminars and the selected pages in the textbooks. Integrated evaluation using a 13 point grading scale.
Lecture plan
See homepage:
http://www.biology.au.dk/herbarium/medarbejdere/anders.barfod/course_descriptions.htm