Download PST 204 - Fountain University, Osogbo

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Course : PST 204 PLANT MORPHOLOGY (2 Credits /Compulsory)
Course Duration : 15hrs Teaching and 45hrs Practical
Lecturer: BELLO, Omolaran Bashir
Ph.D, M.Sc. (Ilorin), B.Sc. (Ibadan), OND (Computer Studies)
Course: PST 204 Plant Morphology (2 Credits /Compulsory)
Course Duration: 15hrs Teaching and 45hrs Practical
E-mail : [email protected],
obbello [email protected]
[email protected]
Office Location: Department of Biological Sciences
Consultation Hours; 2.30-4.00 pm Monday-Thursdays.
Course Contents:
Plant Morphology, Description of Angiospermae. Features of dicotyledonous and
monocotyledonous plants. The root and shoot systems. Characteristics of roots. Functions of root
systems. Types of root systems. Features of stem. Functions of stems. Classification of stems
based on habit and direction of growth. Characteristics of a leaf. Types and functions of leaves.
15h (T) 45h (P).
Course Description:
The course is designed to introduce students in both the Department of Biological Sciences and
Chemical Sciences of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences to the fundamental principles
of plant morphology through which they gain acquaintance with the features and function of
plant parts. It focuses on the contribution of plant to the society and the importance of
understanding differences in external features of plants. These will not only help the students to
know the various modifications in plant organs but also the nature of variation in plants.
The definition of morphology which deals with the study of forms and features of different plant
organs like roots, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits etc, are emphasized. Definition of
Angiospermae (Covered seeded plants) which are flowering plants whose seed are covered is
highlighted. Two types of Angiospermae based on the number of cotyledons (monocotyledons
and dicotyledons) are introduced. External features of Angiospermae with a labeled diagram are
explained. Classifications of plants depending upon their life span are classified. General
characteristics and types of roots with appropriate diagrams are described. Different forms of
modification of tap and adventitious roots with well labeled drawings are discussed. Functions of
root are also highlighted. Different types and modification and functions of stem of stem are
explained with their respective plate and diagrams. Description of the three main parts of a leaf
such as Leaf base, petiole and lamina are highlighted. Types and modification and functions of a
leaf are explained with relevant pictures.
Course Justification:
In this tropical region, there are currently hundreds of underutilized plant species and varieties
displaying traits of interest to meet present and future needs, while the value of many other plant
species is yet to be discovered. The greatest plant diversity could be of potential economic
development. Most developing countries require concerted efforts towards sustainable food
production, especially in these global food crises. Knowledge of the morphological attributes,
classifications and functions of flowering plant parts will encourage future identification and
correct classification of underutilized or unidentified crops/plants that are valuable to man.
Course objectives :
The general objective of the course as an aspect of basic requirement for graduation is to expose
students to various aspects of identifications, modifications and functions of plant organs.
By the end of the course, the students should have a better understanding of:
 the different flowering plant organs.
 how to distinguish the types of Angiospermae based on the number of cotyledons
(monocotyledons and dicotyledons).
 the general features and types of roots
 the different forms of modification of tap and adventitious roots and their functions.
 how to differentiate the modification stems and their functions
 the concept of a leaf, their modification and functions.
Course Requirements:
 The course is compulsory for all 200 level students of the Department of Biological
Sciences and Chemical Sciences of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Students are expected to have a minimum of 75% attendance to qualify
for the final examination.
 Practical sessions is compulsory for students and assignments/laboratory reports should
be submitted as and when due.
 Lecture Supplement will be provided at the end of every lecture series.
 Practical classes and field trips shall be organized for the students.
 Students shall be expected to treat study questions and assignments.
Methods of Grading:
No.
Item
1
Report on Field Trip/ Practical
2.
Class Assignment/Test
3.
Comprehensive Final Examination
Total
Score
10 %
20 %
70 %
100%
Course Delivery Strategies:
The lecture which will comprise theory and practical will be delivered through face-to-face
method. Field trips will also be made. Reading assignments will be given prior to every lecture
and lecture supplement covering the entire course duration will be provided to students at the
commencement of the course. Practical sessions will be designed to complement lecture series.
Students will be encouraged to search for further sources of information on the topics treated by
using facilities at the university e-library and the main library. Students will also be encouraged
to use their Laptops/ phones to browse for materials in the internet. Students will also be advised
to participate in tutorial sessions and review of study questions.
Reading List:
1. Any Text Book on Plant Morphology.
2. Botany Plant morphology; Career Point; Total Learning Solution Provider.
Available at
http:/www.career.ac.in/download/smp_sample/Botany_Plant%20morphology.pdf
LECTURE SCHEDULE
Week 1: Plant morphology
Objectives: Students will be able to describe plant morphology, classifications and functions of
various plant organs. Understand the importance, principles and concept of plant morphology.
Description: The course outline will be introduced with emphasis on
the objectives and delivery strategies including diagrams and pictures.
Definitions of plant morphology, and types of angiosperms.
Study questions:
1. What is plant morphology?
2. State the two types of Angiospermae based on their cotyledons
3. Highlight distinguishing features of dicotyledonous and
monocotyledonous plants.
4. Enumerate the vegetative parts of a plant.
5. What constitute the reproductive part of a plant?
Week 2 : External features of a flowering plant
Practicals : Collection and identification of flowering plants on campus.
Objective: Students will be able to know the different types and form of
flowering plants and should be able to describe their different parts.
Description : Students will be introduced to study the external features of the angiosperms.
Study questions
1. What are the distinguishing characters of maize and guava plants?
2. Describe how cowpea plant looks like.
3. State the observed differences between guinea grass and cashew plant
Week 3 : Plant root and shoot systems.
Objectives : Students will be able to know the different plant parts, the roots, stem, leaves and
flowers.
Descriptions :
The students will be introduced to the different plant parts, the roots, stem, leaves and flowers
using a well labeled drawing.
Study questions:
1. Draw a well labelled flowering plant.
2. State the major divisions of flowering plant based on their parts.
3. Draw a well labelled Hibiscus flower.
4. Draw a labelled plant root.
5. Define an annual plant with three examples.
6. What is a perennial plant?
7. Define a biennial plant with three examples.
Week 4 and 5: Classification, features, and functions of root systems.
Objective : Students will be able to know the different types, characteristics and functions of
root systems.
Description : Students will be introduced to various classifications, features and functions of
root systems.
Study questions
1. State the types of plant roots you know.
2. Highlights the general characteristics of plant root.
3. Enumerate the function of root systems.
Week 6 : Practical on the Collection and identification of flowering plants.
Objective: Students will be able to know the different types and form of flowering plants and
should be able to describe their different parts.
Description : Students will be introduced to study the external features of the angiosperms.
Study questions
1. What are the distinguishing characters of maize and guava plants?
2. Describe how cowpea plant looks like.
3. State the observed differences between guinea grass and cashew plant.
Week 7 : Floral structure
Practicals : Collection and identification of flowers from different plants on campus.
Objective: Students will be able to know the different types and form of plant inflorescence and
should be able to describe the floral formulae for such plants and its use in plant classification.
Description : students will be introduced to study the external andinternal features of flowers of
the angiosperms and the composition and interpretations of their floral formulae.
Study questions
1. Write the floral formulae for the following crops : sunflower, cowpea, citrus and maize.
2. Describe zygomorphic flowers.
3. A complete flower has 4 whorls namely -------------:
Week 8: Characteristics, distribution and economically important species of members of
family : Leguminosae and Solanaceae
Objective : Students will be able to explain the origin, geographical distribution, botanical
features of members of the plant families. Description: students will be introduced to general
characteristics as well as specific features of some economically important species in each of the
families.
Study questions
1. Mention some of the economically important species of family Leguminosae and solanaceae
2. Describe their characteristic inflorescence.
Week 9 Continuous assessment
Objective ; Students will be assessed on all topics that have been treated for one hour.
Week 10 – 14 : Characteristics, distribution and economically important species of
members of family : Asteraceae, Malvaceae. Sterculiacea, Musaceae, Rubiaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae and Rutaceae.
Objective: Students will be able to explain the origin, geographical distribution, botanical
features of members of the plant families.
Description : students will be introduced to general characteristics as well as specific features of
some economically important species in each of the families.
Study questions
1. Describe the dimorphic feature in Rubiaceae family
2. What is a chupon, how does it differ from a jorquette
3. Write the floral formulae for members of family Sterculiacea
4. Distinguish between the subfamilies of Leguminosae
5. Using well labeled diagram show the aestivation of subfamily caesalpinoidea
6. State reasons why cassava is not propagated by seed.
Week 15 Revision / Tutorials
Objective : To enable students seek further explanations on topics treated in the course