Evolutionary Biology

Topics covered include: origin of life, origin of eukaryotes, origin of photosynthesis, origin of animals, the colonization of land, origin of amniotes (including mammals, birds, and reptiles). Species concepts and modes of speciation. Macroevolutionary patterns and key evolutionary transitions: evolutionary trends and emerging phylogenetic relationships in animals and plants. Population genetics: the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; evolutionary forces in natural populations - mutation, migration, natural selection and genetic drift.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
-Explain what the tree of life means.
-Describe the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts and relate this to the evolution of eukaryotes.
-Compare and contrast the various species concepts.
-Describe mechanisms by which reproductive isolation can be achieved.
-Be able to use the Hardy-Weinberg equation and the Chi-square test to evaluate if a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
-Distinguish between the major groups of animals (both living and extinct) and summarize their phylogenetic relationships.
-Discuss the evolutionary origins of land plants.
-Distinguish between the major groups of land plants and summarize their phylogenetic relationships.

Teaching & Learning methods:
Lectures: 24 hours
Labs/Practicals: 12 hours
Tutorials: 1 hour
Independent student activities: 100 hours

Assessment:
Continuous Assessment: 30%
University scheduled written examination: 70%

Pre-requisites:
BI101, BI102