ALT Fossilised stem of Dernbachia brasiliensis, a tree fern, in cross-section with a large xylem strand in the centre, arranged in a stellar shape of separate narrow, branching bands. Image credit: (c) Ludwig Luthardt, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin

ALT It will focus on the description and analysis of clonal, bud bank, fine root traits using methods of plant morphology, architecture and anatomy. The course will be composed of lectures and practical trait assessments enabling application of taught methods. Course description: The course starts with lectures presenting the latest developments in the understanding of ecological functions of belowground plant traits which are mostly overlooked in contemporary functional ecology. Introduced topics: plant form and function, plant architecture as a demographical constraint, clonal traits and environmental gradients, bud bank and disturbance, anatomical traits in herb roots and belowground organs. The lectures will be accompanied by field excursions, plant sampling and trait assessment in the laboratory. Methods of functional traits assessment which are presented include: clonal and bud bank traits, herb-chronological analysis using morphological and anatomical markers, and plant age assess

ALT A theoretical framework demonstrating that drought's influence on conifer induced terpene defense is a dynamic process.

ALT Image: A cavernous laboratory filled with sinister outdated equipment, pickled organs, a pentagram and a corpse on a slab. Outside the window, bats fly past the moon while at a desk an angry-looking woman with crazed hair and a lab coat writes in a ledger. Caption: Janet had not imagined that being an evil scientist would involve so much evil paperwork.