606-207 Flora of Victoria

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

At least one 100-level Biology subject (600-141 or 600-142 or 600-111).

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject is designed for students wishing to take a summer course, who are interested in the biology of native plants and plant communities and environments in Victoria. It is suited to students studying environmental science or environmental studies.

Topics covered include:

• Biogeographic regions of Victoria - climate, landforms, soils and vegetation types;

• History of the Victorian flora - fossils and evolutionary changes through the Tertiary and Quaternary;

• Biology of Victorian plants - intraspecific variation and adaptation to local conditions, ecotypes and clines in eucalypts and acacias, mallee plants, coastal plants, alpine plants, marine and fungal flora; and

• Threats to the Victorian flora - weeds, diseases, pests, fire, extinctions.

By taking this subject, students should:

• gain an understanding of the biogeography and biology of the Victorian flora;

• develop skills in identification of Victoria's land plants, seaweeds and macrofungi; and

• appreciate the evolutionary history of, conservation value of and threats to Victoria's ecosystems.

Assessment

A 2-hour written exam (60%) at the end of the subject, a written assignment (1,500 words; 20%) and a project based on excursion and practical work (6 pages; 20%), submitted at the start of semester 1.