Vegetation Ecology

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Abstract

This subject provides a comprehensive grounding in major concepts in vegetation ecology. Topics begin with a focus on the individual plant; including photosynthesis, methods of reproduction, biotic and abiotic interactions and plant population dynamics. Practical topics include an introduction to plant taxonomy, ecological fieldwork skills, report writing, and methods in analysing ecological data. The subject introduces students to theory and concepts relating to plant communities, in particular, how they are surveyed, classified and described. The concepts of composition, structure and function pattern are woven into topics to develop understandings of the effects of natural and human disturbances. On completion, students will possess knowledge of the key ecological factors which influence Australian ecosystems, and skills essential in environmental and conservation management.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Environmental influences on plant distributions;Introduction to population ecology and demography;Plant life history strategies;Species interactions and competition;Features of major Australian ecosystems;Designing vegetation surveys;History of community ecology;Vegetation communities and boundaries;Vegetation classification and ordination;Disturbance ecology: succession and patch dynamics;State and transition models; andRegeneration ecology.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Environmental influences on plant distributions;
Introduction to population ecology and demography;
Plant life history strategies;
Species interactions and competition;
Features of major Australian ecosystems;
Designing vegetation surveys;
History of community ecology;
Vegetation communities and boundaries;
Vegetation classification and ordination;
Disturbance ecology: succession and patch dynamics;
State and transition models; and
Regeneration ecology.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

have a comprehensive understanding of the key terminology, principles, concepts and theory underpinning vegetation ecology;

have developed a comprehensive understanding of the ecology of a selected Australian ecosystem, and be able to apply this knowledge to other ecosystem types;

obtain knowledge and practical experience in in the design and implementation of vegetation surveys, and develop an understanding of the available tools and techniques used to identify plants in terrestrial communities;

apply their knowledge and skills in vegetation ecology to describe the effects of disturbances on plant communities; and

interpret and communicate the findings of a vegetation survey clearly and coherently within a management context.

Learning activities

Intensive School

This subject provides a comprehensive grounding in major concepts in vegetation ecology. A critical part of this is developing skills in how plants and vegetation communities are described, surveyed and classified. The intensive provides students with opportunity to obtain the important field survey techniques and analytical skills that are needed in order to do this. It also provides experience in working as a team and collaborating in professional activities which is often critical for field surveys in environmental science.

Duration3 days

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

There is an intensive school associated with this subject which may incur travel and accommodation expenses for students.