The course presents an overview of current knowledge and modern research into evolutionary processes acting on contemporary populations; the ecological basis of adaptation; and the consequences of natural selection for population and community dynamics and evolution. Three approaches to the study of evolutionary ecology will be introduced: predictive and optimization models; the comparative method; and direct measurement of natural selection in the wild. Approximately one week will be spent on each of the following topics.

  1. Introduction to Evolutionary Ecology
    • Example: intracellular symbionts and sex ratio

  2. Natural selection and other causes of evolutionary change
    • Group vs. individual selection; measurements of natural selection in the wild

  3. The genetic basis of variation and the "stuff" of evolution
    • Additive genetic variance; polymorphism; correlated response to selection; constraints on adaptive evolution; phenotypic plasticity; genetics of adaptation

  4. Evolutionarily stable strategies
    • Frequency-dependent natural selection; the mixed ESS and sex ratio; the best-of-a-bad-job; tit-for-tat and the evolution of cooperation

  5. Feeding strategies and optimization
    • Optimal diet and habitat selection; the foraging gain and predation risk trade-off; optimal foraging in plants

  6. Evolutionary consequences of interspecific competition
    • Character displacement and coevolution

  7. Coevolution of predators and prey
    • Evolutionary arms race; camoflage, bright colors, and mimicry; chemical defenses in plants; apparent competition

  8. Coevolution of parasites and hosts
    • Evolution of virulence; arms race between cuckoos and hosts

  9. Coevolution of mutualists
    • Mutual exploitation; arms races; stability of mutualisms; the end of mutualism

  10. Evolution of life histories
    • To breed once or many times; trade-offs between reproduction and survival; phylogenetic constraints; the evolution of senescence

  11. Mate choice and sexual selection
    • Darwin's hypothesis; runaway selection; good genes and beautiful birds

  12. The evolution of sex
    • The cost of producing males; selection and variable environments; Muller's inescapable ratchet

  13. Ecology and the origin of species
    • Reproductive isolation; ecological and nonecological modes of speciation; sympatric speciation