The aim is understanding the biodiversity of terrestrial plants (bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms) and to tackle the problems of their conservation. A special regard is devoted to native plant species and communities of the Mediterranean region, with particular reference to Sicily.
The course will be carried out through lectures supported by power point presentations and field works.
Biodiversity, plant adaptation and evolution. Main classification systems. Plant taxonomy. Plant diversity in the light of evolution. Methods and principles of systematics. Phylogenetic systematics. Evolution and diversification of Trachaephytes. Angiosperm phylogeny. Main features of the most representatives families of Angiosperm. Origin and evolution of the Mediterranean flora.
Plants conservation needs. Laws and conventions on biodiversity protection. Threatened flora and red lists; the categories of risk. Species and habitats of European Community interest. Invasive alien species. Renaturation interventions. Monumental trees. In situ and ex situ conservation and management of plant germplasm. Seed banks. Examples of national and European co-ordination networks of germplasm banks. Techniques for the conservation of seeds in the short and long term. Germination test, seed quality control.