Evolutionary Processes (342-0-1)

Instructors

Jeremy S Davis

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L150: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

Change in the genetic composition of populations over time is the basis of evolution. Evolution occurs when mutation introduces new alleles that replace existing alleles in populations via one of two mechanisms. Replacement can occur by chance (genetic drift) or by encoding a superior phenotype (natural selection). Natural selection produces one of the major features of the living world, adaptation. We will model these processes for single-locus traits, DNA sequences, and phenotypic traits. When populations are separated from one another geographically, they inevitably take different evolutionary paths; it is in this manner that most species are formed. These latter processes-change within lineages and diversification among lineages-have been iterated over staggeringly long periods of time, producing another major feature of the living world, its breathtaking biodiversity. We will familiarize ourselves with the history and diversity of life on earth by examination of the fossil record, and by inferring relationships among species using phylogenetic methods.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 337-0 or another course in statistics to register for this course.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Biology Majors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites and registered for any required corequisites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 337-0 or another course in statistics to register for this course.