Cambridge University Botanic Garden

ONLINE COURSE Exploring tropical botany

Wed 7 July 2021 - Thu 8 July 2021

online

Join our Assistant Curator, Dr Ángela Cano, on this course over two mornings, journeying through the many dimensions of tropical plant diversity.
Travelling back in time you will discover that the borders of the tropical region have been dynamic throughout the history of life on Earth with clues that have allowed us to understand the extent of the tropical belt, with a focus on the fossil record.

You will then study current patterns of geographic distribution of plant diversity on Earth – discovering that it is not homogeneous, but dramatically different between continents. You will overfly the tropical belt to understand which regions have the highest species richness and face the strongest threats – known as “biodiversity hotspots”. Ángela will then discuss the main factors that threaten this biodiversity and the local and ex-situ efforts that are in place to counteract their effects.

The second part of the course will then focus on plant systematics – understanding how plants have evolved, and how taxonomists have classified them as a result of this understanding. You will focus on different tropical plant groups, starting with non-flowering plants –such as mosses, ferns and conifers and then briefly cover the most representative tropical Angiosperm families.

Please note this is an online course No specialist software is required to participate, but a device with a microphone and webcam will be needed.

Cost: £50