Plant Diversity

Abstract

This course consists of lectures, practical courses and full-time excursions in Switzerland (especially in the subalpine and alpine zones) during which the knowledge about plant systematics, native and introduced plant species, and ecological factors (mainly climate and soil) is expanded and deepened.

Objective

Identification and knowledge of typical plant species, knowledge of ecological factors and their interactions on the basis of important vegetation types (especially in the subalpine and alpine zones) as well as of interactions between plants and the environment (mainly climate and soil) in the Alps.

Content

Lectures: Systematics and evolution of important native plant families and species; environmental factors in the alps, adaptation of plants, patterns of distribution, evolution of the Alpine flora, altitudinal levels and their characteristic vegetation types. Practical courses: Identification of plant species, independant project work. Excursions: Identification and knowledge of plant species, ecology of important species, indicator plants, knowledge of ecological relationships on the basis of important vegetation types. • three days excursion with emphasis on the subalpine zone (Grächen, Wallis); species knowledge; meadows, shrubs, coniferous forests, pioneer sites in a glacier forefield. • five days excursion with emphasis on the alpine zone (Davos, Grisons); species knowledge; sites on different substrate (dolomite, acid and basic silicate, serpentine) in the subalpine and alpine zones; structure and development of the soils, implications for the plants, important vegetation types and species at the respective sites.

Resources