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Functional Plant Ecology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:30
Abstract
This course presents the most recent research results in the field of functional plant ecology, with a focus on three topics: (1) plant invasion ecology; (2) life strategies of clonal plants; (3) internal and external regulation of plant activity. Participants are involved in the research process through the analysis of experimental data and the discussion of recent publications.
Objective
Aim What does the world look like from a plant's perspective? This course in functional plant ecology presents the most recent research results in the field, with a focus on three topics: (1) plant invasion ecology; (2) life strategies of clonal plants; (3) internal and external regulation of plant activity.
Content
How do plants function as individuals or as members of populations, communities and ecosystems? What do they know about themselves and their environment, and how do they use their knowledge? Why do plant species behave so differently? What causes some of them to become serious environmental problems? Functional plant ecology tries to answer these questions by studying the relationships between morphological or physiological traits of plants, biological or biochemical processes, and spatio-temporal patterns of plant activity in their natural enviroments. Considering plants from a functional point of view is an exciting research field and an important basis for decisions on vegetation management. This course presents the most recent research results in this field, with a focus on three topics: (1) plant invasion ecology; (2) life strategies of clonal plants; (3) internal and external regulation of plant activity. Detailed case studies illustrate which research approaches and techniques can be used to improve our understanding of plant functioning. Participants are actively involved in the resesarch process through the analysis of experimental data and the discussion of recent publications.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Functional plant ecology |
|
2 h weekly |