Overview

This module develops an understanding of the threats to trees and forests internationally and the biological strategies and responses evolved by the trees to overcome them. Topics may include:

Topics in the Tree Biology part of the module may include: What is a tree?; Tree diversity; The evolution of trees; Parts of a tree; Wood, Leaves, Roots. Processes; photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, water transport; Tree reproduction; flowers, seeds and fruits, dispersal methods; sexual/asexual reproduction (costs and benefits); Mycorrhizal fungi; Tree genetics; Tree as hosts/ habitats.

Topics in the overview of global changes effecting trees and forests part of the module may include: Forests and Climate Change; Biotic and abiotic threats to forests; importance of biodiversity to forest functioning; Forests physiological response to stressors; detection, monitoring and modelling threats to forests; international response to deforestation (restoration, protected areas, natural climate solutions, green infrastructure, future cities, REDD+).

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Shows a basic knowledge of without major omissions or misunderstanding and in sufficient depth to form a coherent answer, where gradings within the D category (40-49%) would be appropriate.

-good -Shows an intermediate level of understanding, competence and skill with some evidence of additional reading, where gradings within the B and C categories (50-69%) would be appropriate.

-excellent -Shows and advanced and in-depth knowledge with extensive use of primary and current literature resources, where gradings within the A category (70+%) would be appropriate.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse what makes a tree biologically unique; the evolution and natural history of trees, international tree distribution; cells and structures of wood and key anatomy; leaves; stems, roots.

• Determine how to assess and monitor a range of global challenges to trees and forests and suggest mitigation or adaption strategies that could be used to overcome these issues

• Develop a global overview of changes likely to create pressures on both individual trees and forests and the biological responses of trees and forests to them.

• Develop an understanding of the range of tree survival strategies that has evolved in trees and their relative costs and benefits, e.g., reproduction, symbiosis, competition.