Forest Ecology - Plant Taxonomy

Course Number: 
NR 131
Course Credits: 
5.00
Course Description: 
Part one of a three part forest ecology series. Lectures will focus on basic biology, life history and distribution of plants. Laboratory exercises will focus on the taxonomy and identification methods relevant to plants of the Pacific Northwest. An emphasis will be placed on higher plants including major trees species found in the region along with the use and understanding of dichotomous keys. Students will be evaluated on both lecture and laboratory material, however, the focus of the curriculum will be identification and description of the plants in the field. Students will be required to maintain a field journal of plants identified during labs. This course will be taught in an accelerated format being completed in a 2 week period. 3 lecture hours; 4 lab hours. Vocational program course. May be used as a general elective in the AA degree.
Course Prerequisites: 
Prerequisite: ENGL 095 or placement in ENGL& 101; or instructor permission.
Course Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  • Recognize and describe how plants are classified utilizing general principals of taxonomy.
  • Identify plants by both common and scientific names.
  • Describe vegetative and reproductive morphology.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic terminology associated with plant taxonomy.
  • Translate the derivations of scientific names from their Latin roots.
  • Describe how variation plays a role in plant identification.
  • Employ the use of a dichotomous key, dissecting tools and reference books to identify and classify unknown species.
  • Formulate questions to determine how plants are classified.
  • Explain how the diversity of the plant kingdom is classified.
  • Evaluate how traditional Native American uses and special forest products are a part of our society.
  • Recognize the role of plants, diversity and habitats in society and ecosystems.
  • Develop interpersonal and leadership skills through class participation and interaction.
  • Recognize noxious and non-native invasive plants.
  • Create a comprehensive journal detailing specimens collected and analyzed in the field.
  • Demonstrate competency in utilizing reference material.