Natural Sciences

The course aims to provide students with a broad and critical understanding of plant biodiversity, addressing its different levels and exploring the main methods used to analyse and interpret the biological diversity of plants. It will present the most common techniques employed to study present-day biodiversity and to reconstruct its variations in the past. An important part of the course will be devoted to analysing the interactions between vegetation and human societies, highlighting how anthropogenic activities have influenced the composition and distribution of flora over time. Particular attention will be given to the processes of plant domestication and the spread of cultivated species, as well as their impact on natural biodiversity, together with the phenomena of introduction and naturalisation of alien species. Significant attention will also be given to the ecological and historical factors underlying the distribution of plant species, with specific reference to both the Italian and European contexts. The factors regulating the occurrence of native, rare, endemic, or invasive species will be examined through case studies and comparisons among different biogeographical regions. Throughout the course, students will also explore the major processes of biodiversity change in relation to climate, land use, and human pressure, through examples that connect modern data with palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.

To successfully engage with the course, it is desirable—but not essential—to possess basic knowledge in biology, ecology, and botany. A general familiarity with core concepts in botany, biodiversity, and major environmental changes throughout Earth's history is beneficial. Additionally, the ability to understand scientific texts in English represents an advantage.

Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

No specific prerequisites are required.

The main teaching materials are available on the course page on Sapienza’s Moodle platform.