RLEM 633
WETLAND PLANT TAXONOMY
ONE LECTURE AND TWO (2-HOUR) LABORATORIES PER WEEK
(3 cr.)

FALL Semester
Course Syllabus

Outline of lectures by major topic		Hours
I.	Introduction A. Orientation, course objectives, grading, texts, and supplies B. Importance of taxonomy to wetland deliniation C. Classification systems for wetland plants	1
II.	History of wetland plant taxonomy and important literature	1
III.	Nomenclature A. Practical problems of nomenclature that affect wetland plant taxonomy. B. Rules governing changes of scientific names	1
IV.	Vegetative and floral characteristics of wetland plants A. Identification process B. Using diagnostic keys for identification using floral and vegetative characters C. Important family characteristics of wetland plants	10
V.	Importance of habitat to plant community stability	1
VI.	Summary
Laboratory
Study of important wetland plant families with emphasis on the use of diagnostic keys for identification. Numerous families and genera will be learned for sight recognition. A plant collection is required. Field trips will be important to visualize and summarize material studied.		60