This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of evolution, ecology, and behavior, tailored for students beginning their studies in biology and environmental science.
The course covers:
By the end of this course, students will possess a toolkit of ideas, mechanisms, and processes that are fundamental to all biologists and informed citizens.
This module provides a comprehensive overview of evolutionary biology, focusing on both microevolution and macroevolution. It highlights:
Students will learn how these components interact to shape the diversity of life.
This module delves into the mechanisms of genetic transmission, which is crucial for understanding evolution. Key points include:
Students will also explore the importance of RNA in these processes and how genetic transmission influences evolutionary dynamics.
This module focuses on adaptive evolution driven by natural selection. Students will learn about:
Additionally, students will examine the roles of frequency-dependent selection and sexual selection in shaping evolution.
This module examines neutral evolution, where genes do not undergo natural selection. Key topics include:
Students will explore the implications of neutrality in the phylogenetic tree of life.
This module discusses how selection alters the genetic composition of populations. Key aspects include:
Students will gain insights into how genetics influences evolutionary processes and population dynamics.
This module focuses on the origin and maintenance of genetic variation within populations. It covers:
Additionally, students will explore how population size can influence genetic diversity and rates of evolution.
This module addresses the significance of development in evolution. Key topics include:
Students will learn how developmental processes influence evolutionary outcomes.
This module explores reaction norms, illustrating how environmental factors influence phenotypic expression. Students will focus on:
Understanding reaction norms is crucial for grasping how organisms adapt to their environments.
This module investigates the evolution of sex, discussing its advantages and challenges. Key topics include:
Students will analyze why sex remains a dominant reproductive strategy despite its costs.
This module focuses on genomic conflict, where different genomic elements have competing interests. Key points include:
Students will understand the implications of genomic conflict for evolutionary biology.
This module covers life history evolution, focusing on the trade-offs organisms face. Key concepts include:
Students will explore how these traits reflect adaptations to ecological challenges.
This module discusses sex allocation, the reproductive investment decisions of organisms. Key points include:
Students will analyze how sex allocation affects reproductive success and population dynamics.
This module focuses on sexual selection as a key component of natural selection. Topics include:
Students will learn how sexual selection shapes behaviors and traits in different species.
This module covers species and the process of speciation. Key concepts include:
Students will gain insights into biodiversity and the complexity of species formation.
This module examines phylogeny and systematics, focusing on constructing the Tree of Life. Key topics include:
Students will learn to critically assess the evolutionary relationships among organisms.
This module discusses comparative methods in analyzing trees, maps, and traits. Key aspects include:
Students will appreciate how comparative methods enhance our understanding of evolution and adaptation.
This module explores key events in evolution that have shaped life on Earth. Topics include:
Students will understand how these events frame our understanding of evolution.
This module focuses on major geological events and their impact on evolution. Key aspects include:
Students will learn to connect geological processes with biological evolution.
This module discusses the fossil record and its significance in understanding life's history. Key topics include:
Students will appreciate how fossils contribute to our understanding of evolution.
This module investigates coevolution and its implications across different biological levels. Key points include:
Students will learn how coevolution affects biodiversity and ecological dynamics.
This module covers the role of evolution in medicine, emphasizing its implications for health. Key topics include:
Students will gain insights into how evolutionary thought can inform medical practices.
This module explores the impact of evolutionary thought on social sciences. Key points include:
Students will analyze how evolutionary perspectives can explain modern societal tensions.
This module discusses the logic of science, drawing connections between science and philosophy. Key topics include:
Students will reflect on the philosophical underpinnings of scientific thought.
This module examines climate's role in shaping the distribution of life on Earth. Key topics include:
Students will understand the critical relationship between climate and biodiversity.
This module investigates interactions between species and their physical environments. Key points include:
Students will explore how species manipulate their environments to optimize survival.
This module discusses population growth and the effects of density on growth rates. Key topics include:
Students will analyze how density-dependent factors influence population dynamics.
This module examines interspecific competition and its effects on selection. Key points include:
Students will explore the complexities of interspecific interactions and their evolutionary implications.
This module provides an overview of ecological communities and their dynamics. Key aspects include:
Students will gain insights into the complexities of ecological interactions and community structure.
This module focuses on island biogeography and the impact of invasive species. Key points include:
Students will analyze how geography influences biodiversity and species interactions.
This module examines energy and matter flows in ecosystems. Key topics include:
Students will explore the interconnectedness of energy and matter in sustaining life.
This module investigates factors affecting biodiversity, addressing ecological, economic, evolutionary, and personal perspectives. Key points include:
Students will gain a multifaceted understanding of biodiversity's value and importance.
This module focuses on economic decisions made by foraging individuals. Topics include:
Students will analyze how organisms optimize foraging decisions based on environmental conditions.
This module applies evolutionary game theory to the study of fighting and contests. Key concepts include:
Students will explore how game theory provides insights into evolutionary dynamics and animal behavior.
This module explores mating systems and parental care across species. Key points include:
Students will analyze how reproductive strategies affect offspring survival and species dynamics.
This module discusses alternative breeding strategies among and within species. Key topics include:
Students will explore how alternative strategies affect fitness and reproductive success.
This module examines selfishness and altruism in the context of natural selection. Key points include:
Students will analyze the evolutionary significance of altruism and its role in social dynamics.