VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Biology of bryophytes and pteridophytes
Biologie der Moose und Farne
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:54:58
Abstract
The first part on bryophytes introduces the systematics and morphology of the hornworts, liverworts and mosses. Aspects of the ecology, geography, diversity and endangerment of bryophytes are also discussed. The emphasis of the second part on pteridophytes is on evolutionary processes and breeding systems of club mosses, horsetails and ferns. This is a lecture with practical part.
Objective
The main aim of the first part on the biology of bryophytes is to introduce the major systematic groups of the hornworts, liverworts and mosses in parallel with their diagnostic characteristica. The major emphasis of the second part on the biology of the pteridophytes is on evolutionary processes and the breeding systems of club mosses, horsetails and ferns. This is a lecture with practical part.
Content
1st part bryophytes (H. Hofmann and M. Meier): Content: systematics of major groups, morphology, life cycle, ecological role of bryophytes, population biology, endangerment, red data book, action plans of species conservation, bryophytes as bio-indicators, biogeography. Common species are introduced. Methods: lecture, practical part using microscopes, determination practice, web-based learning test. 2nd part pteridophytes (R. Holderegger): Content: life cycle, major systematic groups (club mosses, horstails, ferns), breeding systems, ecology and evolutioinary biology. Mainly species native to Switzerland are covered. Methods: lecture, group work, practical part using microscopes, discussion of theorectical problems, short presentations in groups, field trip.
Resources
Lecture Notes
No lecture manuscript available.
Literature
Suggested book part bryophytes: Frahm, J.-P. 2001. Biologie der Moose. Spektrum, Heidelberg. Suggested book part pteridophytes: Kramer K.U., Schneller J.J. and Wollenweber E. 1995. Farne und Farnverwandte. Bau, Systematik, Biologie. Thieme, Stuttgart.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Biologie der Moose und Farne
Teil von 00-017 Pod. n. V.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
5. oder 7. Semester, Testatpflicht für U, G, P (Prüfungsfächer im Schlussdiplom: Bezeichnung, zugehörende Lehrveranstaltungen und Prüfungs- umfang siehe WegleitungObligatorische Prüfungsfächer: Die zugehörenden Lehrveranstaltungen sind bei den zutreffenden Fachrichtungen aufgeführt (siehe Wegleitung).Wahlfächer: Wahlfachempfehlungen siehe Wegleitung bzw. Beratervorschläge; Lehrveranstaltungen zu den Prüfungsfächern für alle Fachrichtungen im Wintersemester siehe Abschnitt IV.)
-
-
-