VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

701-0314-01L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-BIOL
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Plant Diversity: Subalpine/Alpine

Pflanzendiversität: subalpin/alpin

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Alessia Guggisberg
Prerequisite: Enrollment and successful performance assessment of LV 701-0360-00L (Systematic Biology: Plants). Enrollment for target group until 19.02.2021 Waiting list until 31.03.2021. The registration form must be handed in by 05.03.2021. Unconfirmed places are allocated to students on the waiting list.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:51

Abstract

The practical focuses on the flora and vegetation of the northern Alps and covers from the upper montane to the lower alpine zone. Depending on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, students are offered a mixture of individual activities and guided excursions to deepen their knowledge of plant species and to learn to recognize important vegetation units and their ecological characteristics.

Objective

Getting to know the most important vegetation types, their flora and ecological conditions in the northern Alps. Consolidation of taxonomic and plant morphological knowledge. Experience in plant determination using scientific determination keys.

Content

This course provides an introduction to the flora and vegetation of the northern Alps. The students will become acquainted with the botanical richness of the Alps and the ecological specificities of the encountered habitats. They will not only gain knowledge in plant species, but also learn which environmental conditions do plants cope with and which adaptation they have evolved. Following topics will be addressed in this course: - Climatic and geological divisions of the Alps - Effect of local conditions on vegetation of different altitudes - Adaptation of plants to various alpine conditions - Characteristic vegetation types of the subalpine and alpine zone (e.g. subalpine conifer forests, tall-herb communities and green alder scrubs, alpine grassland and scree vegetation, subalpine floodplain forest with fens) and their ecological conditions - Interaction between plants and their environment: examples from pollination, reproduction and dispersal strategies.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script is provided via Moodle.

Literature

- Baltisberger M., Nyffeler R. & Widmer A. 2013: Systematische Botanik. 4., vollständig überarbeitete und erweiterte Aufl. v/d/f Hochschulverlag AG an der ETH Zürich. - Stützel T. 2015. Botanische Bestimmungsübungen (3. Aufl.). UTB, Ulmer Verlag. - Hess H.E., Landolt E., Hirzel R. & Baltisberger M. 2015: Bestimmungsschlüssel zur Flora der Schweiz. 7., aktualisierte und überarbeitete Aufl., Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel/Boston/Berlin.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Die Note setzt sich aus einem Bestimmungstest und einer schriftlichen Prüfung zusammen.Die abschliessende Klausur wird am Mo. 05.07.2021 im ETH Zentrum durchgeführt.

Registration & Places

Max Places
12
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 19.02.2021 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Pflanzendiversität: subalpin/alpin
Je nach Stand der COVID-19 Pandemie wird eine Mischung von individuellen Aktivitäten und geführten Tagesexkursionen angeboten. Aktuell geplant: Die Exkursionen werden zwischen So. 27. Juni und Do 1. Juli 2021 stattfinden. Die abschliessende Prüfung findet am Sa. 3. Juli 2021 im HG G 5 (ETH Zentrum) statt.
  • 28.06 Date 09:15-17:00 (CHN E 42)
  • 28.06 Date 09:15-17:00 (CHN E 46)
  • 30.06 Date 09:15-17:00 (CHN E 42)
  • 30.06 Date 09:15-17:00 (CHN E 46)
90 h semesterly

Offered In