WHAT IS A TREE?
Characteristics
Definition
Polyphyletic evolution of trees
Ecological Consequences of Being a Tree
Evolutionary Consequences of Being a Tree
WHY TREES LIVE SO LONG?
Features of Long-lived organisms
Growth Morphology of Trees
Primary vs. Secondary Growth
Apical vs lateral meristems
Genetics of woodiness
Cross section of woody stems and tissues//structure & function
Modifications: Terminal & lateral bud variation
Leaf scar variation
Thorns, spines, prickles
Pith
Wood & Bark Chemistry
Annual Rings
Wood types:
ring vs diffuse porous
gymnosperm versus angiosperm
grain
Reaction Wood
Sap and heartwood
Unusual Woody Growth
Frost ribs
Sun scald
Burls
Branches & Knots
Wood & music
Patterns and tissues of Bark
LEAF MORPHOLOGY
Functional Morphology
Leaf tissues
Stomata, gas exchange & climate change
Diurnal Leaf Movements
Leaf variation: Simple vs Compound
Heteroblasty & Heterophylly
Sun vs Shade
Evergreen vs. Deciduous
Extrafloral Nectaries
Water Transport & Transpiration
Leaf Pigmentation
Structure, Function, and Adaptive Significance
Chlorophyll
Accessory pigments
Anthocyanins
Autumn Colors: Environmental Influence
TREE GROWTH FORM
Variation in form of ancient forest and landmark trees
Limits to Tree Height
Water transport & Transpiration
Nested loops in leaf venation
Properties of water
Cohesion-Tension Model of Water Transport & Evidence
Case study of Giant Redwoods
Flag & Umbrella Trees
Transplant Shock
Dwarf Trees & root stock
RPM Technology and Tree Growth
ROOTS
Morphology: structure & function
Mycorrhizae: structure & function of endo & ecto
Nitrogen cycle and nitrogen fixation in woody plants
Root grafting
Root variation: buttresses, pneumatophores, prop roots, peg roots, canopy roots
Case studies of Bald Cypress, Black and Red Mangrove, Strangler Fig
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF TREES
Flower Morphology
Out-crossing Mechanisms
Dichogamy, Herkogamy, Monoecy and Dioecy, Self-incompatibility
Wind versus Animal Pollination
Temperate versus tropical pollination
Case studies of Aesculus, Catalpa, Ficus, Acer pensylvanicum
Sexual Encounters of a Floral Kind
Fruit Biology and Seed Dispersal
Seedy Side of Plants