BIOEE 1780: Evolutionary Biology and Diversity

Considers explanations for pattern of diversity and the apparent good fit of organisms to the environment. Topics include the diversity of life, the genetics and developmental basis of evolutionary change, processes at the population level, evolution by natural selection, modes of speciation, long-term trends in evolution, origin of humans. Outcome 1: Students will understand the underlying causal principles of evolutionary diversification. Outcome 2: Students will be able to apply these principles to understand historical and contemporary evolutionary scenarios. Outcome 3: Students will be able to identify ~100 core taxa in the tree of life, their characteristics, and understand the relationships among them. Outcome 4: Students will be able to use basic conceptual and analytical tools to describe complex relationships within the tree of life. Outcome 5: Students will be familiar with a number of experimental and synthetic approaches to analyzing and discovering evolutionary processes (microevolution) and establishing evolutionary patterns (macroevolution). Outcome 6: Students will write and discuss knowledgeably about the dimensions of evolutionary issues that require decisions in our society.