3-3-0

Like its companion course Biology 115a, this course explores the tree of life, but from a less animal-centric view. We study the prokaryotes at the root of the tree, responsible for more than half of the earth's biomass. Next, we examine the branch that contains all fungi (and lichens). The various protists and those algae that are not related to green plants form other branches, which we will also explore. Finally, we study in more detail the largest group of eukaryotes by biomass, the green plants. The material in this course (and in Biology 115a) is organized according to a modern phylogenetic framework. The focus will be on diversity, function and ecological importance. In the case of the green plants, we look at the reasons for the tremendous ecological success of this form of life. We examine photosynthesis, transport, reproduction and life cycles, and evolution, emphasizing ecological relevance.


Co-requisite: Biology Lab 116b
Professor van Hulst