Course
Code: BC409T
Core Course IX: Plant Ecology and Phytogeography
The
objective of this course is to expose the students to interaction of plant with
its surroundings and also the geographic distribution of different plants
(Credits: Theory-4, Practical-2)
THEORY
Lectures:
6 0
Unit 1: Introduction (4 lectures)
Basic concepts; Levels of organization.
Inter-relationships between the living world and the environment, the
components and dynamism, homeostasis.
(15 lectures)
Unit 2:
Soil : Importance, Origin, Formation,
Composition, Physical, Chemical and Biological components, Soil profile, Role
of climate in soil development; Water: Importance,
States of water in the environment, Atmospheric moisture, Precipitation types
(rain, fog, snow, hail, dew); Hydrological Cycle, Water in soil, Water table. Light,
temperature, wind and fire Variations,
adaptations of plants to their variation.
Unit 3: Biotic interactions: (5 lectures)
Trophic organization, basic source of energy,
autotrophy, heterotrophy; symbiosis, commensalism, parasitism;
Unit 4: Population ecology:
Characteristics
and Dynamics .Ecological Speciation
(6 lectures)
Unit 5: Plant communities (6 lectures)
Concept
of ecological amplitude; habitat and niche; Characters: analytical and
synthetic; Ecotone and
edge
effect; Dynamics: succession – processes, types; climax concepts.
0Unit 6: Ecosystems: Structure
and Function (12 lectures)
Ecological
pyramids. Principles and models of energy flow; Production and productivity;
Ecological Biogeochemical cycles; Cycling of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
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Unit 7: Phytogeography
Principles; static and dynamic phytogeography,
Continental drift; Theory of tolerance; Endemism; Brief description of major
terrestrial biomes (one each from tropical, temperate & tundra);
Phytogeographical regions of India; Local Vegetation.
Core
Course IX - Practical: Plant Ecology and Phytogeography
1.
Study of
instruments used to measure microclimatic variables: Soil thermometer, maximum
and minimum thermometer, anemometer, psychrometer/hygrometer, rain gauge and
lux meter.
2.
Determination
of pH of various soil and water samples (pH meter, universal indicator/Lovibond
comparator and pH paper)
3.
Analysis
for carbonates, chlorides, nitrates, sulphates, organic matter and base
deficiency from two soil samples by rapid field tests.
4.
Determination
of organic matter of different soil samples by Walkley & Black rapid
titration method.
5. Comparison
of bulk density, porosity and rate of infiltration of water in soils of three
habitats.
6. Determination
of dissolved oxygen of water samples from polluted and unpolluted sources.
7. (a).
Study of morphological adaptations of hydrophytes and xerophytes (four each).
(b). Study of biotic interactions of the following:
Stem parasite (Cuscuta), Root
parasite (Orobanche) Epiphytes,
Predation (Insectivorous plants).
8.
Determination
of minimal quadrat size for the study of herbaceous vegetation in the college
campus, by species area curve method (species to be listed).
9. Quantitative analysis
of herbaceous vegetation
in the college
campus for frequency
and
comparison
with Raunkiaer’s frequency distribution law.
10. Quantitative
analysis of herbaceous vegetation for density and abundance in the college
campus.
11. Field
visit to familiarise students with ecology of different sites.
Suggested
Readings
1.
Odum,
E.P. (2005). Fundamentals of ecology. Cengage Learning India Pvt. Ltd., New
Delhi. 5th edition.
2.
Singh,
J.S., Singh, S.P., Gupta, S. (2006). Ecology Environment and Resource
Conservation. Anamaya Publications, New Delhi, India.
3.
Sharma,
P.D. (2010). Ecology and Environment. Rastogi Publications, Meerut, India. 8th edition.
4.
Wilkinson,
D.M. (2007). Fundamental Processes in Ecology: An Earth Systems Approach.
Oxford University Press. U.S.A.
5. Kormondy,
E.J. (1996). Concepts of ecology. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, India. 4th edition.
