This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of the natural products and processes that shape the nature of modern plants and govern their interactions with the environment. Students will develop a basic understanding of how these plant attributes relate to oganismic function. Emphasis will be placed on exploring the nature of the major plant biomes of the Earth, their community dynamics, and how member plants compete for space and other resources. Development of optimal plant strategies for reproductive success, plant interaction with other living systems as well as abiotic factors and their defense from predation and attack will also be considered.