This course involves a detailed investigation of the pattern and process of biological diversification and biogeography, and areas of controversy in the field of evolutionary biology.  Four key aspects of the evolutionary process will be addressed in detail: (1) species concepts and the principles underlying the process of speciation; (2) mechanisms and causes of evolutionary radiation and extinction; (3) the factors underlying the geographic distribution of biodiversity  (macroecology and biogeography); (4) reconstructing evolutionary history, measuring and documenting biodiversity (systematics).  An investigation of the speciation process will examine the many ways in which reproductive barriers are initially formed, permitting species to follow independent evolutionary trajectories.  The theme of diversification and extinction will use a series of major events in biodiversity generation and loss (eg. the extinction of the dinosaurs, the radiation of mammals) as test cases to cover essential concepts in evolutionary biology, with the emphasis on developing critical skills in hypothesis testing using a range of types of information, including palaeontology, systematics, developmental biology, and molecular data. This will lead to present day patterns of biodiversity, examined in the light of macroecology, examining the contribution that broad scale ecological studies can make to our understanding of past, present and future patterns of species richness and biodiversity loss.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand the principles of a phylogenetic taxonomy and the issues surrounding species concepts and definitions.

2. Explain the variety of speciation models that lead to the development of reproductive barriers, and appreciate the importance of this first step in the macroevolutionary process.

3. Identify and describe the primary mechanisms leading to evolutionary radiations and extinctions.

4. Describe the nature of biogeographical pattern from the local to the global scale, and identify the factors that led to these distributions

5. Understand the ways in which phylogenies are constructed and their value in the interpretation of patterns of biodiversity.

6. Apply critical skills in hypothesis testing using a range of types of information, including palaeontology, systematics, developmental biology, and molecular data.

7. Be able to access and navigate around evolutionary databases for research purposes.

8. Access and interpret the scientific literature on a range of topics in evolution.

9. Present a critical analysis of competing views on evolutionary themes either orally or in a short essay.

• Four in-class tests (15% each; LO 1-5)
• tutorial worksheet (20%; LO 6, 7)
• Paper review and essay (20%; LO 7-9)

Three lectures per week and a total of three two-hour tutorial classes per semester.

BIOL1003 and preferably BIOL1009 and at least three later year courses with a BIOL or BIAN prefix.  Entry may also be permitted via permission of the convener. 

Incompatible with BIOL2154