Unit 2993: Evolutionary Biology

1. Introduction to Evolutionary Biology

• Definition and scope of evolutionary biology
• Key concepts:
  • Natural selection
  • Genetic variation
  • Adaptation
• Historical background and importance

2. The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

• Overview of Charles Darwin’s contributions
• Mechanisms of natural selection:
  • Variation within populations
  • Differential survival and reproduction
  • Environmental pressures
• Examples illustrating population change over time

3. Genetic Basis of Evolution

• Role of genetics in evolution
• Genetic mutations:
  • Types and sources
  • Impact on populations
• Genetic drift:
  • Definition and examples
• Gene flow:
  • Definition and significance
• How these mechanisms contribute to genetic variation

4. Speciation

• Definition and importance
• Mechanisms of speciation:
  • Allopatric speciation
  • Sympatric speciation
• Reproductive isolation and barriers
• Examples of speciation events

5. Evidence for Evolution

• Fossil records:
  • Transitional fossils
• Comparative anatomy:
  • Homologous and analogous structures
• Molecular biology:
  • DNA and protein comparisons
• Biogeography:
  • Distribution of species

6. Human Evolution

• Overview of human evolutionary history
• Key ancestors and hominid species
• Major adaptations in humans:
  • Bipedalism
  • Brain size and cognitive development
  • Tool use and culture

7. Evolutionary Patterns and Trends

• Convergent evolution
• Coevolution:
  • Examples of evolutionary arms races
• Adaptive radiations:
  • Causes and examples
• Impact on biodiversity

8. Macroevolution

• Definition and distinction from microevolution
• Origins of major groups of organisms
• Mass extinctions:
  • Causes and consequences
• Evolutionary events shaping biodiversity

9. Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

• Introduction to Evo-Devo
• Role of developmental processes in evolution
• Evolution of developmental mechanisms
• Examples illustrating Evo-Devo concepts

10. Evolutionary Ecology

• Interaction between ecology and evolution
• Ecological adaptations
• Evolutionary arms races in ecological contexts
• Role of natural selection in shaping ecological interactions