Niche differentiation is the most recognized species coexistence mechanism, of which, the temporal differentiation of species, i.e. phenological differentiation has gained an increasing interest of ecologists. However, as an important dimension of phenology, the phenology of growth has drawn relatively few attentions due to the lack of sufficient phenological data. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to examine potential role of temporal differentiation of plant growth patterns in plant coexistence. I first collected data on growth phenology of 381 perennial herbs in the Botanical Garden of Charles University in Prague within one growing season (in 2015). Using this database, I addressed the general patterns of growth phenology among perennial herbs. I distinguished two contrasting growth patterns: (1) species with early peak growth had high standardized growth rates in contrast to late species, reflecting the survival under forest canopy, where species are selected to grow early and fast before the development of tree canopy which restricts their size; (2) tall species showed later peak growth than short species, associating with (asymmetric) competition for light in open habitats, where the main selection factor is for tall stature, which cannot be attained early in the season. Then, by linking...

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Understanding why some introduced alien plant species become invasive whilst others fail is a fundamental question in ecology, not least because of the considerable ecological and economic damage caused by invasive plants globally. Identifying factors that drive alien plant invasions can inform efforts to predict the nsk of invasion by an introduced plant species. This would allow prevention of introduction of high risk aliens, as well as targeted management of species already introduced that pose the latest threats to the ecolocal integrity of host ecosystems. However, generalisations among the findings of comparative plant invasion studies have been limited by a lack of control of confounding variables such as propagule pressure, time since introduction and phylogeny, a lack of knowledge of introduced species that failed to establish, and inconsistent use of terminology defining the invasion process. This thesis used Amani Botanical Garden (ABG) in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania, as a comparative case study system to assess the relative ability of multiple factors to explain invasion success of species introduced to a tropical forest ecosystem.

Thesis--Tübingen. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 249-252).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: Robert E. Lyons, Dept. of Plant & Soil Sciences. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Aberdeen University, 2009. / Title from web page (viewed on July 23, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Communications, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-120).

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The main aim of the thesis was to create functional and practical worksheets that would be used on excursions by secondary school students to the Botanical Garden Teplice. Based on a study of secondary school textbooks, questions were created that repeated subject matter taught at the school, but also expanded it. The questions were incorporated into three types of worksheets dealing with phytogeography, outdoor exhibits and greenhouse exhibits. Guides were created for each type of worksheet to help the person accompanying students, who can be both an employee of the Botanical Garden or a teacher. The test versions of the worksheets were tried out on 131 students from four secondary schools during field trips. The results obtained by completing the worksheets were analysed to identify the shortcomings of questions. This and substantive comments by the supervisor led to an amendment of the questions that required it, resulting in the final version of the worksheets to be used for educational activities at the Botanical Garden Teplice. Keywords Worksheets, phytogeography, Botanical Garden Teplice, guide.

I have decided to include into my diploma thesis the history overview of the Botanical Garden. A number of major events and pitfalls accompanied the history of the garden. The chapter about the general characteristics of the Botanical Garden of Charles University Science Faculty is also comprised Inside my thesis. There are also mentions about the exposition distinction to greenhouse and outside part and also the significant geopark which offers the additional opportunities for education. I am presenting here the offered programs of Botanical Garden for schools and the public without omitting the sample material offered to the visitors. I have also included the description of the innovative manner of interactive education of biology using the information boards and QR codes placed on these boards. Considering the didactic usage of Botanical garden I have created the worksheets which complement the excursion plan. So I have comprised the excursion planning, creation of worksheets, assembling the questions and the pitfalls during their creation in the next chapters. Afterwards I have described the excursion execution itself, its evaluation and the possible modifications of worksheets. The next chapters deal with the questionnaire designed for teachers of biology. I have concentrated in my teaching...