Evolution Course

Lesson 1 • History of Evolutionary Thought

Traces ideas from pre-Darwinian naturalists to the Modern Synthesis. Provides historical context that frames why current theory is structured as it is.

Lesson 2 • Defining Evolution and Its Scope

Defines evolution as change in allele frequencies over time and distinguishes microevolution from macroevolution. Anchors all subsequent chapters to a precise working definition.

Lesson 3 • Core Mechanisms at a Glance

Introduces the four main evolutionary forces: mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection. Sets up deeper treatment in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Mendelian Inheritance Principles

Covers segregation, independent assortment, and dominance relationships. Provides the inheritance rules that population genetics scales up.

Lesson 2 • Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Derives the Hardy-Weinberg principle and its five assumptions. Serves as the null model against which evolutionary change is measured.

Lesson 3 • Quantitative Genetics Basics

Introduces heritability, polygenic traits, and the breeder's equation. Connects genetic architecture to the rate and direction of evolutionary response.

Lesson 4 • Molecular Basis of Heredity

Explains DNA structure, replication, and gene expression as sources of heritable variation. Links molecular processes to phenotypic outcomes relevant to selection.

Lesson 1 • Sexual Selection

Distinguishes intrasexual competition from intersexual choice and their evolutionary consequences. Explains elaborate traits that reduce survival but increase mating success.

Lesson 2 • Frequency-Dependent and Kin Selection

Covers negative frequency-dependent selection and Hamilton's rule for kin selection. Expands selection beyond individual fitness to inclusive fitness.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Natural Selection

Formalizes Darwin's three conditions: variation, heritability, and differential fitness. Establishes the logical structure underlying all selection models.

Lesson 4 • Directional, Stabilizing, and Disruptive Selection

Contrasts the three classic selection modes using trait-distribution diagrams. Students predict which mode operates given ecological context.

Lesson 1 • Detecting Drift vs. Selection

Introduces statistical tests such as Tajima's D and dN/dS ratios to distinguish drift from selection. Applies these tools to real genomic datasets.

Lesson 2 • Mechanisms of Genetic Drift

Explains random sampling error in finite populations and its effect on allele frequencies. Establishes drift as a force distinct from and sometimes opposing selection.

Lesson 3 • Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution

Presents Kimura's neutral theory and the molecular clock concept. Provides the framework for interpreting synonymous vs. nonsynonymous substitution rates.

Lesson 1 • Population Subdivision Concepts

Defines demes, metapopulations, and isolation-by-distance models. Frames how geography and dispersal create genetic structure.

Lesson 2 • Gene Flow and Its Evolutionary Effects

Examines how migration homogenizes allele frequencies and counteracts local adaptation. Quantifies the balance between drift and gene flow.

Lesson 3 • Measuring Genetic Differentiation

Covers FST and related statistics for quantifying among-population divergence. Connects differentiation metrics to evolutionary and conservation applications.

Lesson 4 • Admixture and Hybridization

Explores genetic consequences of secondary contact between diverged populations. Introduces admixture mapping and hybrid zone analysis.

Lesson 1 • Speciation Rates and Macroevolution

Links microevolutionary processes to large-scale diversification patterns. Introduces concepts of adaptive radiation and species selection.

Lesson 2 • Pre- and Postzygotic Isolation Mechanisms

Catalogs barriers that prevent mating or reduce hybrid fitness. Distinguishes primary from secondary isolation and their relative contributions.

Lesson 3 • Allopatric and Parapatric Speciation

Contrasts geographic isolation-driven divergence with speciation across a continuous range. Identifies conditions favoring each mode.

Lesson 4 • Species Concepts and Definitions

Compares biological, phylogenetic, ecological, and morphological species concepts. Clarifies why concept choice affects how speciation is studied and measured.

Lesson 1 • Phylogenetic Reconstruction Methods

Covers parsimony, distance-based, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods. Compares assumptions and appropriate use cases for each approach.

Lesson 2 • Molecular Clocks and Divergence Dating

Applies rate-calibrated molecular clocks to estimate divergence times. Connects fossil calibration points to molecular phylogenies.

Lesson 3 • Reading and Building Phylogenetic Trees

Introduces tree topology, nodes, branches, and clade concepts. Ensures students can extract correct evolutionary information from any tree diagram.

Lesson 4 • Mass Extinctions and Evolutionary Radiations

Examines how extinction events reset ecological opportunity and trigger diversification. Links extinction patterns to subsequent adaptive radiations.

Lesson 1 • Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance

Applies selection, mutation, and gene flow to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Derives management strategies from evolutionary principles.

Lesson 2 • Conservation and Evolutionary Biology

Integrates evolutionary principles into biodiversity conservation, including evolutionary potential and assisted evolution. Bridges theory and conservation practice.

Lesson 3 • Synthesizing Evolutionary Thinking

Revisits the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis and open questions in the field. Prepares students to engage with current research and emerging debates.

Lesson 4 • Evolutionary Medicine

Reframes human disease through evolutionary lenses including mismatch, life-history trade-offs, and host-pathogen coevolution. Generates novel clinical hypotheses.