HomePlant Taxonomy. Cr. 4
William R. Norris,
Western New Mexico University
UI: 00L:105
ISU: Ia LL 367I
UNI:
890:105(g)
Principles of classification and evolution of vascular plants; taxonomic tools and collection techniques; use of keys. Field and laboratory studies emphasizing identification of local flowering plants and recognition of major plant families. Meets June 15 to July 10, 2009.
Students who enroll in Plant Taxonomy at Lakeside will spend four weeks exploring the many habitats (wetland, prairie, forest) of Iowa's lakes region to study the diverse flora of this region (home to more than 800 vascular plant species). The majority of class time is spent in the field. Topics to be covered include principles of vascular plant classification; vegetative and reproductive morphology; recognition characteristics of 40 major plant families, use of dichotomous keys; and field collection methodology. Each student will prepare and submit a collection of 100 vascular plants as a course requirement. There will be a two-night field trip to northeast Iowa during the third week of the course. Students will be expected to bring camping equipment and to pay for one evening meal out-of-pocket in addition to the fees charged for this trip.
There are two required texts for this course: (1) Vascular Plant Families (1977, James Payne Smith, Jr., Mad River Press, Inc.; ISBN #0916422070); and (2) Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary (2001, James G. Harris and Melinda W. Harris, Spring Lake Publishing; ISBN #0964022168). Both books are readily available through Internet book dealers (http:amazon.com; http://bn.com). In addition, an OPTIONAL book which students will find very useful is (3) Great Plains Flora Association. Flora of the Great Plains (1991, University of Kansas Press; ISBN #070060295X). This book is currently available through major Internet book sellers (http://amazon.com; http://bn.com). All students MUST obtain a 10X hand-lens. This is available through Kooter's Geology Tools (http://www.kooters.com). Field trip fee: $75.