Evolutionary Biology

All organisms on earth seem to share a common ancestry, and to some extent their evolution has been governed by a common set of principles. The science of evolutionary biology is presented in the context of a broader history of ideas in science. Considers explanations for pattern of diversity and the apparent good fit of organisms to the environment. Topics include the diversity of life, past and present, the genetics and developmental basis of evolutionary change, processes at the population level, evolution by natural selection, neutral theory, modes of speciation, long-term trends in evolution, origin of humans. Prerequisites: BI-308.