Plant Taxonomy and Systematics

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Abstract

This subject provides an introduction to the classification, naming, identification and floral biology of plants. The taxonomy and reclassification of Australia's two largest and iconic plant groups, the acacias and the eucalypts, are emphasised. Students will develop skills in preparing and curating herbarium specimens, and in identifying native and exotic … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject provides an introduction to the classification, naming, identification and floral biology of plants. The taxonomy and reclassification of Australia's two largest and iconic plant groups, the acacias and the eucalypts, are emphasised. Students will develop skills in preparing and curating herbarium specimens, and in identifying native and exotic species, using conventional and computer-based keys.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: The need for classification;Types of classification;History of plant taxonomy;Botanical nomenclature;Identification methods;Key construction;Eucalypt classification;Floral biology;Flowering plant and structure;Floral diagrams and formulae;Identification of native and exotic plants by use of dichotomous keys;Use of multi-access keys;Key construction; andComputer assisted identification.

This subject will cover the following topics:

The need for classification;
Types of classification;
History of plant taxonomy;
Botanical nomenclature;
Identification methods;
Key construction;
Eucalypt classification;
Floral biology;
Flowering plant and structure;
Floral diagrams and formulae;
Identification of native and exotic plants by use of dichotomous keys;
Use of multi-access keys;
Key construction; and
Computer assisted identification.

Assessment items

1. Online activities

2. Characteristics Herbarium

3. Identification test

4. Family recognition test

5. Acacia key

6. Final Exam

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

apply the theoretical aspects of plant taxonomy to explain the principles and purposes of biological classification;

use the morphological characteristics of leaf and flower structure and arrangement to identify and classify plants;

accurately recognise and distinguish between the major families of Australian plants;

prepare, identify, and classify herbarium specimens of native and exotic species; and

use and construct plant identification tools, such as dichotomous keys, to successfully classify plants.

Enrolment restrictions

Pre-requisite

Learning activities

HRT202 intensive school

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

This subject has a significant online interactive content through the Charles Sturt University Virtual Herbarium website. It is expected that students will become familiar with these resources as they prepare their assignments and prepare for intensive school attendance. Announcements need to be checked regularly for important news. The Subject Schedule … For more content click the Read More button below. EASTS is the link for submitting your assignments online. Follow instructions on how to upload your completed assignments. Discussion forums encourage you to engage in critical conversation and reflection with your peers and the coordinator. Some assessment activities may be conducted via the Forums. Readings and Resources contain all your reading material. Topic folders contain information and learning activities relevant to the subject.

This subject has a significant online interactive content through the Charles Sturt University Virtual Herbarium website. It is expected that students will become familiar with these resources as they prepare their assignments and prepare for intensive school attendance.

Announcements need to be checked regularly for important news.
The Subject Schedule above contains a recommended timetable, assessment dates and intensive school dates for this subject.
EASTS is the link for submitting your assignments online. Follow instructions on how to upload your completed assignments.
Discussion forums encourage you to engage in critical conversation and reflection with your peers and the coordinator. Some assessment activities may be conducted via the Forums.
Readings and Resources contain all your reading material.
Topic folders contain information and learning activities relevant to the subject.