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Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Explain the basic objectives and principles of plant
taxonomy.
2. Describe the reproductive structures and processes in
flowering plants.
3. Apply the methods of plant identification, including the
use of dichotomous keys.
4. Define and describe ten major flowering plant families
common to Sonoma County.
5. Describe the major adaptive responses in species of the
local flora.
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I. Plant diversity and taxonomy
A. Overview of plant kingdom
B. Flowering plants
C. Basic principles of nomenclature and classification
II. Reproductive biology of flowering plants
A. Flower structure and modifications
B. Pollination syndromes
C. Fruits and seeds
III. Basic methods of floristics
A. Floras and dichotomous keys
B. Herbaria and online sources
C. Collecting, pressing, and preserving plant specimens
IV. Flowering plant families of local importance
A. Dicot families
B. Monocot families
V. Identification of common wildflowers
A. Use of dichotomous keys
B. Use of other resources
VI. Flowering plant evolution and adaptation
A. Xeric adaptations- e.g. chaparral
B. Mesic adaptations- e.g. forests
C. Hydric adaptations- e.g. vernal pools
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing 20 - 40% |
Field trip reports | |
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving 20 - 30% |
Field work, Identification of flowers using dichotomous keys | |
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations 0 - 0% |
None | |
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams 30 - 50% |
Plant identification quizzes (4) | |
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category 0 - 0% |
None | |
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Plants of the San Francisco Bay Region, revised edition,
Beidleman, L. and Kozloff, E., 2003, UC Press
Pacific States Wildflowers, T.F. Nichaus, 1976, Houghton
Mifflin
Instructor prepared materials