Content

Introduction
Fundamentals
Self-check Quiz
Supplementary Readings
Activities & Assignments
Summary
Self Review

Introduction & Outcomes

Introduction

This module introduces the main plant forms found in tropical forests and some of their ecological characteristics. Although the focus of forest management was traditionally on timber trees, tropical forests are clearly more than just collections of trees.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Recognize the main plant growth forms in tropical forests: trees, lianas, shrubs, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes.
Describe some of the main attributes of each of these growth forms.
Describe some of the main features of tree crowns.

Fundamental Topics

Instructions: Read Topics 4.1 - 4.7 from the embedded FODE014 e-Notebook below for Module 4.

Self-check Quiz (For certificate learning only)

After reading fundamental concepts for this topic, take up to 5 minutes to take an online self-check quiz for the topic. The main purpose of the quiz is for you to self-check how well you grasp the contents for this topic. You can take the quiz a second time if necessary. When you are ready, click the link Online Quiz 4 to start taking the quiz.

Activities & Assignments (For certificate learning only)

Online Discussions

On the Module 4 Discussion board, post a powerpoint presentation with 1-2 pictures and one slide with text describing your weed problem.

Graded Assignments

Follow the instructions at Module 4 Assignment to complete and submit the assignments for this module..

Summary

Tropical forests contain a wide diversity of plant growth forms with which managers need to be familiar. Knowing about their ecology can help in their management.

Self Review (For self learning)

Please use the reflection question below as study guide to conduct self-review for the topic:

Under what conditions are non-arboreal plants (e.g., shrubs, lianas, forbs, or grasses) likely to dominate in areas that can support tropical forest?

FODE014