NRES 340 - Field Dendrology

(3 units)

The identification, classification, silvics, and ecological characteristics of trees and other woody plants found in North American forests and woodlands, with a special geographical emphasis on the western United States.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing; BIOL 191A; NRES 217 or BIOL 314.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 2
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1
Offered: Every Fall

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. identify >120 important North American tree and shrub species at all seasons of the year, in the field as well as from samples of twigs and fruit.
2. demonstrate proficiency in use and construction of dichotomous keys.
3. recall and operationalize key tree identification characteristics (of leaves, bark, fruit, buds, twigs, form) and botanical terminology such that other species can be learned independently and unknown specimens can be identified.
4. describe how morphological traits vary among and within species, and will comprehend species taxonomic relationships based on morphology and phylogeny.
5. describe the ecology of the studied tree species, including their distribution, natural history, silvics, ecosystem service values, susceptibility to pests and pathogens, and wildlife-habitat relationships.
6. describe the economic value of the studied tree species and their importance to commercial forestry.

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