Plant Physiology (Biology 327)  - Dr. Stephen G. Saupe;  College of St. Benedict/ St. John's University;  Biology Department; Collegeville, MN  56321; (320) 363 - 2782; (320) 363 - 3202, fax;    ssaupe@csbsju.edu

Concept Mapping I:  Plant Way of Life

Introduction:  Concept mapping is an important learning tool that can be used in a variety of situations.  A concept map is a visual representation of how ideas (=concepts or propositions) are interconnected.  To make a concept map, prepare a list of the main ideas/concepts/propositions you are interested in.  Then, select the most inclusive (largest) of these and write it in a circle at the top of your paper.  Then, begin connecting the remaining ideas by writing them below and connecting the ideas with a line or arrow.  Label the line to represent the interconnection.  In class, I will show you an example making a concept map to the following ideas in the Plant Way of Life notes. 

• Motility is not required by an autotroph
• Plants are photosynthetic autotrophs
• Sedentary organisms need to be able to position themselves
• Sedentary organisms need to be able to reproduce
• Sedentary organisms need to exploit the environment
• Sedentary organisms need to protect themselves
• Sedentary organisms need to respond to the environment
• Specialized structures required for autotrophism

Now, continue to fill-in the concept map (Concept Map II, Concept Map III)

Last updated:  01/07/2009     � Copyright  by SG Saupe