This lecture, discussion and laboratory course considers how plants function in an ecological context. The goal is to explore from a theoretical perspective, as well as through hands-on experience, about the major plant physiological processes and how they are influenced by variation in the abiotic environment, symbioses with fungi and other organisms, competition with neighbors, and herbivore pressure. Specifically, we examine how interactions with the environment impact photosynthesis, respiration, growth, water uptake and transport, and nutrient uptake and assimilation. The course is highly interactive involving informal lectures, discussion of primary literature, in class labs, and a field trip to the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve. We will also explore several themes that highlight the importance of understanding how plants function in a changing global environment with shrinking resources including the conflict of feeding the world, powering our vehicles, and maintaining the earth’s life support systems through plant resources.
Lectures and readings will present theoretical advances in plant physiological ecology. We will also read and discuss the primary literature, highlighting relevant publications from researchers at the University of Minnesota to help students appreciate and access the locally available expertise in this area. In-class labs will teach both classic and cutting-edge techniques aimed at understanding how plants function, cope with stress, and compete for and allocate resources in the face of constantly changing environments. Laboratory techniques provide preparation for empirical research in plant physiological ecology. These techniques will include measurement of relative humidity, temperature, vapor pressure deficit and boundary layer conductance; soil moisture; gas exchange; chlorophyll fluorescence; wood and leaf anatomy; water potential; sapflow; and plant hydraulic architecture and water transport. An additional one-credit option is available for students wishing to participate in a class experiment.
