Evolutionary Biology Course

Lesson 1 • Evidence for Evolution

Surveys fossil, biogeographic, molecular, and anatomical evidence. Demonstrates how independent data streams converge on evolutionary conclusions.

Lesson 2 • Core Principles of Natural Selection

Defines variation, heritability, and differential reproduction as the engine of selection. Links these principles to observable outcomes in populations.

Lesson 3 • Units and Levels of Selection

Examines genes, organisms, and groups as potential targets of selection. Clarifies debates about inclusive fitness and multilevel selection.

Lesson 1 • Mendelian Genetics Review

Covers alleles, dominance, segregation, and independent assortment. Establishes the genetic vocabulary needed for population-level analysis.

Lesson 2 • Quantitative Genetics Basics

Introduces heritability, polygenic traits, and the breeder's equation. Bridges individual genotype-phenotype mapping to population-level response to selection.

Lesson 3 • Molecular Basis of Genetic Variation

Explains mutations, recombination, and transposable elements as sources of variation. Connects molecular events to phenotypic diversity.

Lesson 1 • Gene Flow and Migration

Quantifies allele exchange between populations and its homogenizing effect. Connects gene flow to speciation barriers and local adaptation.

Lesson 2 • Mutation as an Evolutionary Force

Evaluates mutation rates and their weak but directional pressure on allele frequencies. Distinguishes mutation pressure from selection in shaping variation.

Lesson 3 • Detecting Selection in Populations

Applies statistical tests to identify signatures of positive, purifying, and balancing selection. Prepares students to interpret genomic scan results.

Lesson 4 • Genetic Drift and Small Populations

Models stochastic allele frequency change in finite populations. Explains bottleneck and founder effects with conservation and evolutionary implications.

Lesson 1 • Horizontal Gene Transfer and Reticulate Evolution

Addresses gene flow, hybridization, and HGT as sources of non-tree-like evolution. Extends phylogenetic thinking to networks and reticulate histories.

Lesson 2 • Molecular Phylogenetic Methods

Covers distance, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods for tree reconstruction. Compares their assumptions, strengths, and computational requirements.

Lesson 3 • Using Trees to Test Hypotheses

Demonstrates ancestral state reconstruction, trait mapping, and comparative methods. Shows how phylogenies control for shared ancestry in evolutionary studies.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Phylogenetic Inference

Introduces homology, synapomorphy, and the logic of cladistics. Establishes the conceptual framework for all tree-building methods.

Lesson 1 • Patterns in the Fossil Record

Analyzes gradualism, punctuated equilibrium, and mass extinction events. Evaluates how preservation biases affect macroevolutionary inference.

Lesson 2 • Adaptive Radiation and Convergence

Examines rapid diversification into ecological niches and independent evolution of similar traits. Illustrates how ecology shapes macroevolutionary trajectories.

Lesson 3 • Speciation Mechanisms

Covers allopatric, sympatric, parapatric, and peripatric speciation models. Connects population genetic processes to the origin of reproductive isolation.

Lesson 1 • Phenotypic Plasticity and Canalization

Analyzes reaction norms, developmental plasticity, and canalization as evolutionary phenomena. Connects plasticity to the origin of novel traits.

Lesson 2 • Developmental Genetics of Body Plans

Covers Hox genes, signaling pathways, and gene regulatory networks controlling body plan. Links developmental toolkit conservation to macroevolutionary patterns.

Lesson 3 • Modularity and Evolvability

Examines how modular organization of genomes and phenotypes facilitates evolution. Evaluates evolvability as a property shaped by selection.

Lesson 1 • Host-Parasite Coevolution

Models antagonistic coevolution, Red Queen dynamics, and immune evasion. Connects parasite-driven selection to host genetic diversity.

Lesson 2 • Mutualism and Coevolutionary Dynamics

Examines pollination, seed dispersal, and endosymbiosis as coevolved mutualisms. Analyzes how mutualism can shift to parasitism under changed conditions.

Lesson 3 • Foundations of Coevolution

Defines coevolution and distinguishes diffuse from pairwise coevolution. Establishes criteria for identifying genuine coevolutionary dynamics.

Lesson 4 • Predator-Prey Arms Races

Covers escalation, mimicry, and chemical defense as products of predator-prey coevolution. Evaluates the evolutionary escalation hypothesis.

Lesson 1 • Evolutionary Approaches in Agriculture

Examines domestication genetics, pest resistance evolution, and sustainable breeding. Shows how evolutionary principles guide crop and livestock improvement.

Lesson 2 • Conservation Genetics and Evolutionary Biology

Uses evolutionary principles to manage genetic diversity in threatened populations. Connects effective population size, inbreeding, and adaptive potential to conservation outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Evolutionary Medicine

Applies evolutionary frameworks to disease susceptibility, antibiotic resistance, and cancer. Demonstrates how evolutionary thinking improves clinical and public health strategies.

Lesson 4 • Hominin Evolution and Fossil Evidence

Traces the hominin lineage from early australopiths to anatomically modern humans. Integrates fossil morphology with ancient DNA evidence.