Evolution, Ecology and Behavior

Explore the fundamental principles of evolution, ecology, and behavior through this comprehensive university-level course designed for students beginning their study of biology and environmental science. Master key concepts including natural selection, genetic drift, population genetics, and the maintenance of genetic variation while examining how development influences evolutionary processes. Delve into advanced topics such as the evolution of sex, genomic conflict, life history evolution, and sexual selection, then progress to understanding species formation, phylogenetic analysis, and comparative methods. Investigate major evolutionary events throughout Earth's geological history and discover how coevolution shapes species interactions, with applications to evolutionary medicine and social sciences. Study ecological principles including climate's role in species distribution, population dynamics, interspecific competition, and community structure, while exploring island biogeography, invasive species, and ecosystem energy flow. Examine the factors affecting biodiversity and analyze behavioral ecology through economic decision-making models, evolutionary game theory, mating systems, and the evolution of cooperation and altruism. Learn to apply scientific logic and recent advances that have transformed these interconnected fields, gaining essential knowledge for any biologist or environmentally conscious citizen.