This course integrates fundamental and applied aspects of plant ecology, focusing on the roles of functional traits, physiological mechanisms, life history strategies, abiotic constraints, and biotic interactions in influencing plant distribution and abundance. Specific topics include physiological ecology, growth and allocation patterns, influence of biotic and trophic interactions [pollinators, pathogens, herbivores, competitors, mutualists, decomposers] on the structure and function of plant communities, and effects of global environmental change. Labs will include a field component that explores variation in functional aspects of plants. This course is especially valuable for students interested in plant or wild life biology and environmental management. Department of Integrative Biology.