BIO2181 Evolution of plant diversity
Faculty of Science
BIO2181 Evolution of plant diversity is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BIO2181
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BIO2181
2 units list BIO2181 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit examines the diversity of plant life, how plants evolved and how they live and grow. Topics cover evolutionary theory, the interpretation and use of phylogenetic trees in biodiversity research, plant form and function, and plant physiology. The unit provides an overview of the characteristics of algae, bryophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. As we move through this diverse range of plants we discuss their evolutionary relationships and the adaptive significance of their key features, including the evolution of physiological and anatomical adaptations to different biomes.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In-semester assessmentDemonstration50%
- eFolioPortfolio50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the evolutionary (i.e. phylogenetic) relationships among major plant lineages;
- 2
Describe the major structural innovations of each group and how they function;
- 3
Describe key physiological processes in plants and how they have evolved;
- 4
Describe the influence of evolutionary history and of the environment on biogeographic patterns of species occurrence, from community to continental scales;
- 5
Demonstrate a basic ability to identify species of the Australian flora with the aid of taxonomic keys.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures12 hours
- Laboratories33 hours
- Seminars12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- One 1-hour lecture;
- One 1-hour seminar;
- One 3-hour practical (or equivalent) and
- Seven hours of independent study per week.
This unit may involve informal and formal excursions (unfunded).
Learning resources
Required resources
Evert, R. F., and S. E. Eichorn. Biology of Plants, 8th edition. W. H. Freeman, New York.
This book provides an excellent overview of basic plant biology, with particular strength in plant anatomy and morphology (Evert and Eichorn are plant anatomists at the University of Wisconsin).
Where it fits
BIO2181 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Chris Lee
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Chris Lee
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO2181?
BIO2181 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BIO2181?
BIO2181 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including BIO3021 and BIO3091.
When is BIO2181 offered?
In 2025, BIO2181 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO2181 have an exam?
No. BIO2181 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include BIO2181?
BIO2181 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; and Plant sciences.