electiveHQ

Evolution is the fundamental process that underlies all biological systems. Understanding the processes of micro and macroevolutionary change is essential to any working biologist, and have generated great popular interest and controversy over the centuries. This module will provide an introduction to evolutionary biology, patterns, processes and scientific background by use of real research examples (evolutionary ecology, palaeontology, systematics). A context to the study of evolution, from Darwin to Dawkins is also presented. Since evolution occurs only as a result of genetic change, the understanding of gene flow in populations is also central to the evolutionary process. The effect of selection, mutation and population size on population genetic structure will be examined. Morphological selection and adaptation, homology and homoplasy, cladistics and phenetics, phylogeny reconstruction amongst higher taxa, tree shape and the influence of developmental biology on our understanding of evolutionary mechanisms are also covered in this module.