Fibonacci's Rabbits and Darwin's Elephants

Catalog description

In this introductory seminar, students will explore the interface of mathematics and evolutionary biology. Biological topics include population dynamics, population genetics, plant development, and the study of evolutionary trees. Mathematical topics include combinatorial enumerations, recurrences, generating functions, integer sequences, and bijections. Discussions of works of fiction, tree walks on campus, and analyses of historical context will enhance understanding of and appreciation for the role of mathematics in the biosciences.