This course provides a general introduction to climate in the tropics, tropical biomes, and how plants are adapted to various growth forms, a wide range of environmental conditions, and the major ecophysiological problems with respect to availability (from too little to too much) water, nutrients, temperatures, and light. Special attention is also paid to biotic interactions, dynamics of tropical ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation.

Students are also introduced to identification of major tropical plant families and are expected to present two projects related to tropical ecology. The botanical projects take place in the glasshouses of our botanical garden and include a one day excursion to the glasshouses of the botanical garden of Munich.

 

Enrollement is managed via moodle which is available here.