BIOL 122 - Desert Plants

Credits: 3

Description
Desert plants is an investigation of the desert of the southwest United States. Students will evaluate plant community distributions and characterize common species. Students will explore adaptations to aridity and the nature, origin, and occurrence of arid environments.

Student Learning Outcomes

Compare the major deserts of the southwest United States, including the indicator plant species, geographic distributions and climates.
Explore the complexity of desert ecosystems.
Differentiate the fundamental morphology and life histories of the major groups of vascular plants found in the southwest deserts.
Determine the anatomical and physiological adaptations of plants living in a desert climate.
Recognize the major local area plants by employing simple taxonomic keys.
Describe the distribution and composition of the major plant communities found in southern Nevada.
Investigate ways in which desert plants were utilized by indigenous peoples.

Prerequisite: None