Identifying Gymnosperms

The module will introduce learners to phanerogam botany characteristics, focusing on gymnosperms (vascular plants without flowers and fruits) and skills will be extended towards identification and understanding their lifecycle, economic importance and conservation.

The emphasis will be on
a. learning key differences and similarities between other members of sub-kingdom phanerogams as well as the closest cryptogams – i.e. pteridophytes/ ferns
b. learning how to use a flora and create a key to identify plants, rather than learning a defined species list.

Characteristic adaptations in general morphology and anatomy in relation to other members of the plant kingdom will be discussed along with their evolutionary, biodiversity and economic roles.

Learners will develop and use skills and knowledge to rationalise and justify classification decisions and build confidence in using flora, and other resources, both physical and digital. Learners will also gather resources as they progress through the module which will aid their professional prospects alongside building interest in furthering their career in ecology.
Plants are used to define habitats in relation to other biotic and abiotic factors and are at the centre of all ecological work. So exploring evolutionary characteristics, rationalising and learning to use essential resources (physical and digital) are valuable skills for field and conservation ecologists.

This module will build upon existing knowledge on plant morphology gained via the Identifying Flowering Plants course (XS29810). Studying this prior course will help students familiarise themselves with morphological and anatomical characters and link it to evolution of advance characters in flowering plants (angiosperms) and in pteridophytes (cryptogams)

Note

This module is at CQFW Level 4