Time: Tue (discussion meeting, rm 219) and Thu (laboratory meeting, rm 104), 1:15-4:15 PM
Prerequisites: Any biology course numbered BIOL 025 or higher.
Group: III (population-level approach)
Credits: 2

Plant evolution from the perspective of diverse adaptations such as carnivory, parasitism, pollinator attraction, and light-seeking tropisms. This seminar will also cover adaptations that influence plant species' abilities to respond to human-induced change such as global warming and soil contaminants. Readings from the recent primary literature will be supplemented with selections from Charles Darwin's books on botanical topics.

Seminar (discussion) details
Seminar meetings on Monday will be student-run, with 2-4 presenters for a day's topic. These presentations (approximately 20 minutes) should clarify and expand the contents of an assigned paper, but also bring in outside reading (e.g., review papers on the topic, funded grant summaries, background material from text books, and other information that you might find). Presentations may be made with computer-generated projection, overhead transparencies, or chalkboard. Following the presentation, the student will lead a discussion for approximately 20 minutes. Presenters are encouraged to use some of this time for activities that help seminar participants understand a particular concept. A food and beverage break is taken after the 2nd presentation.

Laboratory details
The laboratory component of the course (every Thursday) will be primarily devoted to an independent project that is completed individually (or, under special circumstances, with a partner). Independent projects will culminate in the production of a poster that will be hung in the hallway.

A trip to Longwood Gardens is will take place at the start of the semester.