Course Outline
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.
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Introduction to Evolutionary Ecology
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Example: intracellular symbionts and sex ratio
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Natural selection and other causes of evolutionary change
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Group vs. individual selection; measurements of natural selection in the wild
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The genetic basis of variation and the “stuff” of evolution
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Additive genetic variance; polymorphism; correlated response to selection; constraints on adaptive evolution; phenotypic plasticity; genetics of adaptation
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Evolutionarily stable strategies
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Frequency-dependent natural selection; the mixed ESS and sex ratio; the best-of-a-bad-job; tit-for-tat and the evolution of cooperation
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Feeding strategies and optimization
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Optimal diet and habitat selection; the foraging gain and predation risk trade-off; optimal foraging in plants
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Evolutionary consequences of interspecific competition
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Character displacement and coevolution
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Coevolution of predators and prey
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Evolutionary arms race; camoflage, bright colors, and mimicry; chemical defenses in plants; apparent competition
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Coevolution of parasites and hosts
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Evolution of virulence; arms race between cuckoos and hosts
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Coevolution of mutualists
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Mutual exploitation; arms races; stability of mutualisms; the end of mutualism
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Evolution of life histories
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To breed once or many times; trade-offs between reproduction and survival; phylogenetic constraints; the evolution of senescence
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Mate choice and sexual selection
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Darwin’s hypothesis; runaway selection; good genes and beautiful birds
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The evolution of sex
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The cost of producing males; selection and variable environments; Muller’s inescapable ratchet
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Ecology and the origin of species
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Reproductive isolation; ecological and nonecological modes of speciation; sympatric speciation
© 2009-2022 Dolph Schluter