GEN-11306 Evolution and Systematics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Continuation courses:

GEN-20306, BIS-30306, GEN-30806

Contents:

All living things have evolved. Evolutionary biology studies the history of that process and the mechanisms that cause it to happen. This introductory course treats microevolution (the short-term evolutionary dynamics occurring within populations and species), organismal design by selection for reproductive success, and macroevolution (evolutionary change above the species-level). Topics include the role of natural selection, evolution as genetic change, the evolution of sexual reproduction, genomic conflict, life history evolution, sexual selection, speciation, phylogeny and systematics, applications of phylogenetic trees, the history of life, coevolution and aspects of human evolution.

Learning outcomes:

The student is able to:
- apply evolutionary concepts in explanations of biological phenomena like life history traits, variation in reproductive systems, genomic conflicts, sex differences in behaviour and morphology, speciation, interactions between species and human health and disease;
- explain the relevance of population and quantitative genetics for describing evolutionary change;
- explain in global terms the history of life and the role of geological events in this history;
- apply species concepts in both systematic and evolutionary contexts;
- reconstruct phylogenies on the basis of relevant data and to use that information to analyze historical biogeography and the macroevolution of traits.

Activities:

In total (parts of) 15 book chapters will be studied. For each chapter the following procedure applies: first the student reads the chapter, then a lecture about the chapter will focus on the essential concepts and will provide illustrations; finally the student will work on solving problems during supervised tutorials or practicals.

Examination:

Written exam.

Literature:

Stephen C. Stearns, Rolf F. Hoekstra. 2005. Evolution an introduction, second edition, Oxford University Press.