Class Evolution and Biodiversity

Curricular unit in evolutionary biology that seeks to balance two complementary training areas, with a "field based" training (paleontology and the observation of specimens) and a "laboratory based" training (data processing and analysis of molecular samples ), studying not only the history of evolution but also the causes of evolution.

Not applicable

Principles of biological evolution and biodiversity Phenotypic and genetic variation Evolutionary mechanisms: natural selection, genetic drift, mutation and gene flow Evolution in populations: quantitative evolution, sexual selection and evolutionary constraints Species concepts and speciation processes Fundamentals of phylogenetics and character evolution Macroevolution, the fossil record and the history of life Origin and patterns of biodiversity Molecular evolution: mitochondrial DNA and molecular markers Phylogeography and integration of genetic, phylogenetic and geographic data Practical application of concepts using evolutionary models, fossils and real molecular data

During the learning process students will work in an interdisciplinary way, integrating the knowledge acquired in other CUs and applying it directly to the contents taught. Several contents and learning tools will be made available in addition to those taught in class that will allow students more autonomy in the acquisition of knowledge related to the contents of the CU. The use of forums/wikis will be promoted, which allow the creation of a final document prepared by all students together, and enable the discussion and reflection of the CU topics.

Futuyma, D.J., Kirkpatrick M. - Evolution. 4th Edition. Sinauer Associates. Sunderland: Oxford University Press, 2017. ISBN: 9781605357409 Mayr, E. - What Evolution Is?. 1st Edition. Phoenix. London: Orion Books Ltd, 2002. ISBN: 0753813688