The Green Planet

Code School Level Credits Semesters
BIOS2075 Biosciences 2 20 Spring UK
Code
BIOS2075
School
Biosciences
Level
2
Credits
20
Semesters
Spring UK

Summary

This module considers plant evolution from a functional perspective:
• Photosynthesizers through deep time
• The move onto land
• Foraging: rhizoids & roots
• Transport: evolving structures to move water and nutrients
• Harvesting light: cuticle & stomata to modern leaves
• Escaping the need for water for reproduction: Seeds
• Co-evolution of plants and animals: flowers, fruits & herbivory
• Modern plant diversity and threats 

Target Students

Available to students in Biosciences and Life Sciences, and students on the Natural Sciences and the Env Sci (2+2) Ningbo programmes.

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

This module will explore the evolution of key plant systems through deep time, and the significance of this process for understanding modern ecology and food security.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 
•Discuss the challenges of the move of plants onto land. 

•Explain the importance of root evolution in soils. 

•Describe the role of water availability and transport in the evolution of the tracheophytes. 

•Describe evolutionary innovations within the early spermatophytes. 

•Demonstrate understanding of the power of natural selection in producing plant diversity over deep time.

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.