Bi5640 Biology and ecology of bryophytes

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2009
Extent and Intensity
2/1. 3 credit(s) (fasci plus compl plus > 4). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Eva Mikulášková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Eva Mikulášková, Ph.D.
Department of Botany and Zoology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Eva Mikulášková, Ph.D.
Timetable
Mon 10:00–12:50 BpsR
Prerequisites (in Czech)
Bi2030 System evol. higher plants && Bi2030c Sys. evol. higher plants - pr.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 11 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
Overview of recent knowledge in bryology suited for consequential detailed studies of bryophytes (mosses, hornworts, liverworts). The main focus is on morphology, reproduction, ecology, function, distribution, habitat preferences and rarity, taxonomy and use of bryophytes. As many aspects of bryophyte ecology are different from that of vascular plants, a comparison between bryophytes and vascular plants is a great deal of the lecture. The course complements System and evolution of higher plants and Determination practice for bryophytes.

Main goals:
- to achieve general knowledge concerning bryophytes;
- to provide basis for consequential student’s own bryological research;
- to compare bryophytes with the other groups of organisms;
- to cover recent advance in bryology.
Syllabus
  • 1. History of bryology in the Czech republic and in the world, recent research. Methods in bryology: collection, storage, herbarium, determination, cultivation, biosystematics, molecular methods. Literature, journals, internet sources.
  • 2. Anatomy and morphology of bryophytes.
  • 3. Reproduction, ontogenesis, genetics, molecular structure of bryophyte populations.
  • 4. Reproduction ecology: reproduction, life-span, mortality, stress adaptation, life strategies, life forms.
  • 5. Population ecology.
  • 6. Cytology, chemotaxonomy, physiology, nutrition.
  • 7. Physiological adaptations-photosynthesis and respiration, symbiosis and saprophytism, ecophysiology of bryophytes tolerating dry and wet environments.
  • 8. Phytogeography, phytosociology.
  • 9. Bryophyte use. Function of bryophytes in ecosystems. Bryophytes as bioindicators.
  • 10. Endangered bryophytes: causes, protection.
  • 11. Theories of evolution, origin of bryophytes, fossils.
  • 12. Introduction to bryophyte taxonomy.
  • 13. Lichens: comparison with bryophytes, main characteristics, chemistry, environmental aspects, substrate ecology, life forms and strategies.
Literature
  • Glime, Janice M. 2007. Bryophyte Ecology. Ebook sponsored by Michigan Technological University and the International Association of Bryologists. [accessed on 5.2.2009 at ]
  • Smith A.J.E. (1981): Bryophyte Ecology. - Chapman & Hall, London.
  • Bates J.W. et Farmer A.M., eds. (1992): Bryophytes and lichens in a changing environments. - Clarendon Press, Oxford.
  • KALINA, Tomáš and Jiří VÁŇA. Sinice, řasy, houby, mechorosty a podobné organismy v současné biologii. Vyd. 1. Praha: Karolinum. 606 s. ISBN 9788024610368. 2005. info
  • Plášek V. (2005): Základy bryologie. – Ostravská univerzita, Ostrava, 79 pp.
  • VÁŇA, Jiří. Obecná bryologie. 1. vyd. Praha: Karolinum. 187 s. ISBN 8024610930. 2006. info
Assessment methods
oral exam; completion of the practical part of the course is necessary
Language of instruction
Czech
Follow-Up Courses
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2011, Autumn 2011 - acreditation, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2016, Autumn 2018, autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2009, recent)
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