Biodiversity & Speciation

Catalog description

What is the evolutionary and ecological origin of species? This course will explore the organismal biology behind the fundamental process of speciation, where new species are formed. We will discuss topics like geographic mode of speciation, ecological innovation in adaptive radiations, social behavioral effects on species boundaries, and the genomic barriers counteracting hybridization at species boundaries. The lab component (field trips, lab behavioral studies, and statistical modeling) will substantiate these profound processes with the forest creatures in Buffalo, NY, to gain a substantial understanding of the precious living organisms around us and how they came to be over millions of years of evolution. Join us on this dazzling and biodiverse journey! Expected learning outcome: Establish an advanced understanding of the evolutionary and ecological principles behind biodiversity. Develop quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking to effectively understand speciation and biodiversity, starting from the organisms living around us.