Download BY346

Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Learning
outcomes/objectives
Animal and plant interaction
BY346
6
10
BY230, BY217, BY213 or BY132
Extensive
To provide an understanding of the positive and negative ways in which
plants and animals influence each other.
By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Content
Teaching and learning
strategies
Learning support
a critical understanding of the paleoecology of animal-plant interactions
application of concepts in plant – insect interactions
a critical understanding of how plants defend themselves from herbivores
ability to critically discuss and explain key adaptations of mammalian
herbivores to plants
The module addresses ecological aspects of plant –animal interactions and
may include:
 The evolution of animal-plant interactions
 The evolution of plants and the radiation of phytophagous insects
 Plant - insect Interactions
 Pollination biology
 Seed dispersal by animals
 Types of plant chemical and physiological defences
 Physiological and behavioural responses of herbivores to plant defences
 Generalist and specialist herbivores
 Diet selection by mammalian herbivores
 Nutritional needs of herbivores
 Physiological and behavioural adaptations to herbivory
Contact time, 22 hours lectures, 18 hours directed reading and private study
(including assessment) 60 hours.
Current editions of:
HERRERA & PELLMYR, Plant-Animal Interactions: An Evolutionary
Approach. Blackwell.
HOWE HF & WESTLEY LC. Ecological relationships of plants and animals
Oxford University Press
KARBAN R & BALDWIN IT. Induced responses to herbivory (interspecific
interactions) University of Chicago Press
Assessment tasks
Brief description of
module content and/or
aims
Individual sessions will be supported by specific indicative reading:
100% course work (LO1-4): short answer test (40%) end of semester
covering content of lectures (LO1-4);
Written assignment essay with flow diagram (60%). (Choose one topic from
those offered and develop main points as a flow diagram as well as writing a
2000 word essay.) (LO2-3)
The biology, behaviour and ecology of most animals are influenced by their
interactions with plants. This module aims to provide students with actual
examples of the ways in which animals and plants influence each other, either
in a positive or a negative way. Underlying mechanisms by which this is
achieved will be investigated as will the consequences of their interactions.
Biology
Area examination
board to which module
relates
Module team/authors/ Dr. Anja Rott (module leader), Dr. Dawn Scott, Dr. Maureen Berg (+ biology
coordinator
team)
Semester offered,
where appropriate
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of
this version
Version number
Replacement for
previous module
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable
and status in course
School home
External examiner
1
2008
2009
2010
3
n/a
Biological Sciences; optional
Biomedical Sciences; optional
Ecology and Biogeography; optional
Environmental Sciences; optional
Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences
Diana Bell