Plants & Human Affairs - Introduction

Plants & Human Affairs (BIOL106) - Stephen G. Saupe, Ph.D.; Biology Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, MN 56321; ssaupe@csbsju.edu; http://www.employees.csbsju.edu/ssaupe

Introduction to Plants & Human Affairs
Learning Objectives/Study Questions

Required Readings:

lecture notes
text pp 9 - 15

Goal of the Unit:
The goal of this unit is to provide an introduction to the course (and requirements). In addition, we will learn about the characteristics of plants and the countless ways in which we utilize plants on a daily basis.

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

List/describe the requirements/policies/etc. of this course
Identify the 6 major kingdoms and give an example of each
Identify the characteristics that distinguish plants from other organisms
Describe the difference between angiosperms, gymnosperms, and the "lower" plants (ferns, mosses and algae).
Identify ways in which plants are used by people

Important Terms/Concepts: (be able to use the following conversationally)

autotroph

cell wall

consumer

epiphyte

eukaryotic

heterotroph

motile

phloem

photosynthesis

producer

prokaryotic

seed

spore

xylem

Questions for Thought and Study: (You may want to prepare written answers to these to help study for exams)

Write a description of the plant kingdom.

List at least 10 different ways in which plants are utilized by people.

Take the Saupe Challenge.

Explain the statement: "Plants provide the majority of energy for all activities on earth."

Why should we thank a plant every time we inhale?

Why have some plant products been replaced by synthetic substitutes?

List the six major kingdoms of life. Identify some characteristics that distinguish these from one another.

Write a description of the Plant Kingdom. Identify the characteristics that distinguish plants from members of other kingdoms

Can a plant be a heterotroph? Explain.

| Top | PHA Home | SGS Home |