Bio 102 (Plant Diversity)

Welcome to Biology 102

BIO 102 explores the diversity of plant life — from the simplest algae to complex flowering plants — and covers plant morphology, classification, and their role in the ecosystem.

Course Outline

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION

The study of plants: Scope and Importance
Why we study plants
Variation and Classification in Biology
Nomenclature and hierarchic relationships of organisms
Classification of the plant kingdom

UNIT II: THE LOWER PLANTS

Thallophyta – Algae:
- General characteristics
- Types of thallus forms:
  - Unicellular: Chlamydomonas
  - Colonial: Pandorina, Volvox
  - Filamentous: Spirogyra, Ulothrix, Oedogonium, Cladophora, Stigeoclonium
  - Complex: Fucus
- Reproduction: vegetative and sexual
- Economic importance
Fungi:
- Types of thallus form:
  - Unicellular: Bakers'/Brewers' Yeast
  - Filamentous: Rhizopus stolonifer
  - Complex: Mushrooms, Toadstools, Puffballs
- Importance to terrestrial ecosystems
- Reproduction: vegetative and sexual
Bryophyta:
- Thalloid liverworts: Marchantia – anatomy and reproduction
- Leafy liverworts: Porella – description and reproduction
- Mosses: Bryum coronatum – vegetative and sexual reproduction

UNIT III: THE HIGHER PLANTS

Pteridophyta:
- Introduction and significance
- Psilotum (Psilotinate)
- Lycopodium and Selaginella (Lycopodinae)
- Horsetails (Equisetinae)
- Ferns (Filicinae)
Spermatophyta:
- Gymnosperms (open seeds): adaptations and ecology
- Angiosperms (enclosed seeds): adaptations and ecology