606-303 Botany Systematics & Evolution

Botany 606-202.

Topics studied include:

• homology and form;

• numerical methods in systematics, phenetics and cladistics;

• classification of vascular plants, especially gymnosperms and angiosperms;

• fossils;

• historical biogeography; and

• Australian flora.

At the completion of the subject students should gain:

• a knowledge of modern methods of phylogenetic systematics, including the application of morphological and molecular data;

• skills in analysing systematic data, including the use of computer interactive programs; and

• a knowledge of the evolution and diversity of Australian flora, both living and fossil groups of land plants.

A 1500-word essay; practical reports totalling up to 2000 words (30%); a 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (70%).