Identification, classification, silvical characteristics and distribution of trees, shrubs, and other plants of importance to the management of forest resources.
Athena Title
Dendrology
Pre or Corequisite
BIOL 1108 or BIOL 2108H
Corequisite
FORS 3010L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe important aspects the morphology, anatomy, development and reproduction of trees, and some key concepts of physiology, using correct terminology.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the structure, function and importance of the modern nomenclature and taxonomic systems.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the morphological, geographic, ecological and economic characteristics of the important forest tree species of North America.
Topical Outline
Introduction
General information concerning the course
What is dendrology?
What is a tree?
Why study dendrology?
Nomenclature and classification of woody species
Nomenclature
Concept of species
Taxonomic hierarchy
Classification systems: artificial vs. natural
Taxonomic tools
Tree morphology and anatomy
Shoots, buds and leaves
Radial growth and stem anatomy
Roots
Reproductive biology
Historic and geographic aspects of forest distribution
Geologic time scale and origin of modern trees
Present forest distribution in North America
Characteristics of important North American tree species,
covered on a Forest Region basis. For each Forest Region
listed on the left, the characteristics listed on the right will
be detailed for each of the major forest species native to
that region:
Oak-Hickory Forest - Common, genus, species and family names
Southern Coastal Plain Forest - Site preference and tolerances
Mixed Mesophytic Forest - Successional status
Northern Hardwood Forest - Associated species
Plains Region - Growth rate, size and longevity
Interior Mountain Forest - Reproductive habits
Sierran Forest - Pest and disease problems
Pacific Northwest Forest - Commercial and wildlife importance
Inland Empire
Boreal forest
