Learning Objectives: upon completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Define phylogeny.  Explain what it means using an example.
2. Define taxonomy and systematics.  Which title do you prefer for our course:  Plant Systematics or Plant Taxonomy?  Explain.
3. Explain why systematics a science
4. Identify the characteristics of a plant
5. Identify the three major "domains" of life and the characteristics (e.g., prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic) that distinguish them
6. Cite an example of why taxonomy has a predictive value
7. Cite an example of how taxonomy has a practical value
8. Describe the features of a cladogram
9. Describe the cladogram for life and plants

Test Yourself

• Quiz
• Be able to answer the questions at the end of Simpson, Ch 1 (pp 15-16).

Extensions

1. Find a web site or other source listing jobs in plant systematics/taxonomy.  Identify the web site, position, salary.
2. Visit the web sites of the American Society Plant Taxonomists, Ecological Society of America, and Botanical Society of America.  What information do they have that would be pertinent to our course?  What job opportunities do they provide?

Last updated:  08/29/2008 / � Copyright by SG Saupe