300051 VO+UE architectural and functional diversity (2007S)

In this course (a combination of lectures and practical units) a survey is given on the morphological (architectural) and functional diversity of the vegetative organs (shoot axis, leaves and roots) of angiosperms. Topics and general aspects include: Goethe¿s principle of variable proportions, differentiation and growth of vegetative organs; symmetry patterns of the plant body (poly-, di- and monosymmetry; isophylly, diagonal and orthogonal anisophylly); peltate, urn- and ascidiate leaf architecture, with special regard of leaf metamorphosis of insectivorous plants; morphology of succulents (Cactaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Crassulaceae, Didieraceae etc.); thorns and spines as devices against herbivory; tendril variety in climbing plants; metamorphosis of roots in adaptation to various functions (storage, perennation, migration, pneumatophores and stilt roots of mangroves etc.).