Original URL: http://www.inform.umd.edu/PBIO/pb250/intr.html


PBIO 250 Lecture Notes

James L. Reveal

Norton-Brown Herbarium, University of Maryland


Introduction

The following listing of words, phrases and descriptions is provided to assist PBIO 250 students during the lecture period and to serve as a study guide for lecture examinations. Web links to addition information are provided and may be accessed by clicking on the blue (usually) lettered words. Unless otherwise noted, information at such sites is not required for any examination but will often be most useful in augmenting your understanding of a particular subject. An overall useful link of botanical resources may be found on FindIT, the latter providing you with a multitude of links to a variety of areas on the world-wide web.

taxonomy
systematics
classification
systems of classification
species
genus (pl. genera)
family
order
class
division or phylum
morphology
physiology
cytology
genetics
anatomy
ecology
embryology
identification


taxon (pl. taxa)
International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
description
diagnosis
floristics
flora
classical taxonomy
alpha taxonomy
biosystematics
phylogenetic evaluation
objectives of systematic botany

  1. inventory
  2. method for identification and communication
  3. system of classification
  4. evolutionary implications
  5. a single correct name
phylogeny
common names

Other Systematic Botany Courses and Notes
Bucknell University
California State - Stanislaus
Colby College
Oregon State University
Reed College
Texas A&M: Plant Taxonomy
Texas A&M: Field Systematics
University of Florida
University of Illinois
University of Lethbridge
University of Maryland: Advanced plant taxonomy
University of Tennessee
University of Wisconsin
Utah State University: Field botany
Utah State University: Plant Taxonomy



About the World-Wide Web

The world-wide web (WWW) or internet is rapidly becoming an important avenue to botanical resources. The lecture notes for PBIO 250 are filled with links to sites containing useful information. As use of the WWW is a necessity for this class, students are required to have adequate computer access either through the University (a WAM account) or through a private internet provider. A fast, modern computer is essential. If you are using a modem, 28.8 is a minimum baud rate. A high resolution VGA or better monitor is highly recommended, 15 inch screen minimum, 17 inch or large much more useful. As your text comes with a CD-ROM, a player is necessary.

Information in these notes is subject to constant revision during the course of the semester. Students are strongly urged to print out the notes for each lecture period a week or so before the lecture, review them prior to each class, and bring them with you for the purpose of annotation during the lecture period.

Students should learn to effectively search the WWW for information. A variety of search engines are available on FindIT, the link service provided by the Department. Peer-taught classes are available through the WAM laboratory facilities.

Useful information on botany in general may be obtained from the PBIO 100 lecture notes, from notes provided by The Ohio State University, and from the notes associated with Linda Berg's excellent text book Introductory Botany (available only from on-campus sites). An excellent survey of the plant kingdoms is maintained by Cardillo & Samuels. Individuals who feel insecure with their botany background are strongly urged to review these sites.

Information more atuned to systematics include the flowering gateway from Texas A.&M.

The University of Maryland subscribes to the Encyclopaedia Britannica but the service is available only on-campus. As there are numerous important articles and readings cited in the following pages, it is exceedingly useful that students use one of the several thousand terminals available throughout campus to access such pages.

For purposes of examination, information presented in lecture has first priority, lecture notes second, required text readings third, and finally required web readings. See the lecture syllabus for more information.



Next Series of Lecture Notes:
History of Systematic Botany
Lecture Schedule

Last revised: 8 Nov 1998