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701-1620-00L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS
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Biology Diversity and Biology of Woody Plants

Diversität und Biologie der Gehölzpflanzen

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Gregor Aas, Prof. em. Dr. Ottmar Holdenrieder
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:28:18

Abstract

Woody Plants are ecosystem engineers and an important resource. The course provides an overwiew of selected groups of woody plants from a global perspective and conveys essential biological and ecological knowledge for a scientifically based ecosystem management.

Objective

To know the morphology, ecophysiology and biogeography of selected taxa of woody plants. To be able to identify unknown woody plants. To understand specific bio-ecological processes which drive the existence of woody plant species. To know and evaluate management options at the individual tree and the population level.

Content

Morphology and syystematics of woody plants (with emphasis on trees) Gymnosperms (Pinaceae, Taxodiaceae, Cupressaceae, Taxaceae, Araucariaceae), Angiosperms (e.g. Aceraceae, Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae s.l., Magnoliaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, selected tropical and invasive woody plants). Methods of Dendrology.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script available for some chapters (in German), supplementary material (partly in English)

Literature

Fitschen, J.: Gehölzflora : Ein Buch zum Bestimmem der in Mitteleuropa wild wachsenden und angepflanzten Bäume und Sträucher : mit Knospen- und Früchteschlüssel.12., überarb. und erg. Aufl. / bearb. von Franz H. Meyer ... [et al.]. Wiebelsheim : Quelle & Meyer, 2006. 915 S. (this key is available only in German and can oly partly be replaced by English literature)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes
Das während des Semesters angelegte Herbar wird ebenfalls benotet (Gewichtiung: Herbar=1/3, mündliche Prüfung= 2/3). Die Prüfung wird auf Wunsch in Englisch durchgeführt.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Diversität und Biologie der Gehölzpflanzen
Ein Teil der Veranstaltung wird als Block am Wochenende durchgeführt.
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (CHN F 42)
2 h weekly

Offered In