207-160 Forest Botany & Ecology

The subject covers the areas of:

• basic plant structure, classification, taxonomy and identification, functional relationships, trophic levels, micro-environment and adaptation;

• habitat and niche;

• limiting factors, variability and diversity of forest populations, spacing, territoriality and social hierarchies;

• population growth and development of forest stands;

• community structure and species composition;

• interaction within the community and the external environment; and

• community change, succession and ecosystem stability and response to manipulation.

One 2.5-hour written examination worth 40% of final marks, two assignments equivalent to 3000 words and worth 30% of final marks each.