Life Sciences

Animal-Plant Interactions

Module code: C1110
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam

This module will explore the ways in which animals and plants have co-evolved to produce current ecological relationships. It will cover: herbivory (including leaf/stem/root feeding, frugivory, seed and seedling predation); how plants respond to herbivory (chemical and physical defences); how herbivores respond to plant attributes (nutritional quality, architecture); indirect interactions (e.g. between insect herbivores, mediated through plants or parasitoids); pollination and seed/fruit dispersal; mutualisms (e.g. ant-plant interactions); impacts of herbivory on plants at the population and community level; and applied aspects (grazing management; herbivore pest control; conservation of interactions).

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of both positive and negative interactions between animals and plants, including the evolution of these interactions and, where appropriate, their applied significance
• Comment upon and evaluate significant research developments that are taking place at the forefront of the field, setting them in the context of established knowledge
• Critically appraise information and data from a range of sources, especially the primary literature, synthesise that information, and communicate in writing ideas, arguments and supporting or contrary evidence in a clear and logical manner