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The course begins by introducing the foundational concepts
of evolutionary biology in Unit I: An Idea that Changed the
World. Students will explore the historical development of
evolutionary thought, beginning with pre-Darwinian ideas
and moving through Darwin's contributions to the Modern
Synthesis. This unit also introduces the construction and
interpretation of phylogenetic trees as tools for
understanding evolutionary relationships. In Unit II: How
Evolution Works, the course examines the fundamental
mechanisms of evolution. Topics include the origins of
genetic variation through mutation and recombination, and
the population-level processes of natural selection, genetic
drift, and gene flow. Students will learn how these forces
interact to shape allele frequencies and phenotypic traits
across generations, supported by population genetics
models and equilibrium theory. Unit III: The Products of
Evolution focuses on the processes that generate biological
diversity. Students will study the definition and formation
of species, mechanisms of reproductive isolation, and modes
of speciation. Additionally, this unit introduces
evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo), exploring how
genetic and regulatory changes lead to morphological
innovation and complexity. In Unit IV: Interactions Between
Individuals and Species, the course delves into the
evolutionary consequences of social and ecological
interactions. Topics include sexual selection and the
evolution of mating strategies, kin selection, altruism, and
the emergence of cooperation. Students will also examine
how interspecies dynamics such as predation, mutualism,
and coevolution drive evolutionary change. Unit V: The
History of Life provides a macroevolutionary perspective,
tracing the deep history of life on Earth. Students will
learn about the Tree of Life, major evolutionary transitions
(such as multicellularity and terrestrialization), and
adaptive radiations. The unit also explores mass extinctions
and how they have shaped the diversity of life through
macroevolutionary processes. Finally, Unit VI: Evolution of
Homo sapiens addresses human evolution from an evolutionary
biology perspective. Students will study the fossil and
genetic evidence for human origins, population divergence,
and adaptation. This unit also introduces concepts in
evolutionary medicine and discusses how evolutionary theory
applies to health, disease, and ethics in modern society.
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