The aim of the course is to introduce students to the main tools used for identifying vascular plants found in the Italian territory. The expected learning outcomes include the ability to understand and interpret the diversity of vascular plants in a given area, as well as the acquisition of general methods for their identification at various taxonomic levels. By the end of the course, students should also have developed the ability to use identification keys for vascular plants and to carry out a floristic survey.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of general Botany, such as the anatomy and morphology of plant organs (roots, stems, and leaves) and reproductive structures (flowers, fruits, seeds). Basic knowledge of systematic Botany, including the use of dichotomous keys, botanical classification and nomenclature, the main groups of vascular plants (Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms), and the main families of Angiosperms in the Italian flora. It will also be useful to recall some concepts from Geobotany and Plant Ecology, such as distribution range, chorotype, life forms, and soil requirements. Finally, a certain level of proficiency in basic cartographic knowledge is also useful, such as the ability to interpret a map and to map sampling points in a GIS environment
Teaching Methods
The course includes field trips aimed at the identification and collection of plant material, which will be classified during laboratory activities using stereomicroscopes and dichotomous keys designed for identifying the collected specimens. The practical activities will be preceded by two introductory lectures focused on floristic sampling techniques, an overview of the study area, and a review of the main families of the Italian flora. During fieldwork and lab exercises, students will receive the necessary information to create an herbarium of vascular plants.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of an oral test and in the presentation of an herbarium containing at least 50 species. Exam questions will focus on the characteristics useful for species identification and on the discussion of the ecological and distributional features of the sampled species
Texts
Materials provided by the teacher, such as ppt presentations, that will be uploaded to the Kiro platform
Contents
- Review of the main families of the Italian flora - Field guides and manuals for the identification of alpine and Mediterranean plant species - Critical groups of the Italian flora - Species of conservation interest and alien species
