Wagner
Genetics Series Spring 2010Wagner
Genetics Series Spring 2010Charles Darwin proposed that in nature, changes in the environment present species with three possible evolutionary scenarios: adaptation, migration, or extinction. In this course we will examine these responses in depth through the examination of case studies of the natural history of individual species. We will also consider how information from DNA studies can provide insight into evolutionary change.
Image from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/6/l_016_02.html
Course Syllabus:
Wednesday, January 20, 2010: Basic principles in evolution and
genetics
Introduction to the tenets of Darwin's theory, macroevolution, microevolution,
and basic genetics.
Wednesday January 27, 2010: Migration, adaptatin
and speciation Part I
The classic example of evolution in action is the speciation of finches
in the Galapagos. The colonization of the islands by a small founder group over
a few million years resulted in the development of 14 species. By a review of
landmark work by Peter and Rosemary Grant and their colleagues, we will explore
mechanisms of evolutionary change from the level of speciation (macroevolution)
to the genetic level (microevolution).
Wednesday February 3, 2010: Continuation of January 27 lecture -
Migration, adaptation and speciation Part II
Wednesday February 10, 2010: Stories about living fossils
Living fossils are organisms whose appearance has changed little
over millions of years. Horseshoe crabs, dragonflies, and the chambered nautilus
are all organisms whose current morphology matches their fossil record. The
exciting story of the 1938 capture of a coelacanth, thought to be extinct, will
also be presented.
Wednesday February 17, 2010: Molecular genetics challenges the living
fossil concept
Although the appearance of living fossils has not changed significantly
over time, what changes have occurred in their genes? Genetic studies of coelacanths
and of tuataras, a reptile endemic to New Zealand, have estimated rates of evolutionary
change in DNA of these species. This research identifies examples of separation
between rates of morphological evolution and molecular evolution.
Wednesday February 24, 2010: Extinction - a natural and an "unnatural"
process
Extinction can naturally occur when evolutionary change does not happen fast
enough to enable a species to survive in a particular context. Specific examples
of extinction to be covered include the Tasmanian wolf, quagga (a type of zebra),
and Stellar's Sea Cow. The impact of human activity on loss of species will
also be discussed.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010: Observing the process
of extinction
According to the July 2009 IUCN (International Union for the Conservation
of Nature) report, approximately 17,000 plant and animal species are threatened
with extinction. (www.iucnredlist.org) We will discuss case studies of species,
such as the river dolphins, that have just recently been declared extinct or
are in peril.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010: Introduction to the field of biogeography
Biogeography is an interdisciplinary field that integrates concepts
from biology, ecology, geology, and geography to study the spatial patterns
of biodiversity. Historical biogeography attempts to reconstruct the origin,
dispersal, and extinction of species over time whereas ecological biogeography
examines the present distribution of species in the context of interactions
between organisms and all aspects of their environment.
This list of government and private organization dedicated to wildlife conservation only represents organizations whose work will be referred to during the course or whose educational resources were used during the class. The web sites for these organizations provides a plethora of information on programs devoted to specifice species, locales, public policy initiatives, etc.
A. Background on Charles Darwin
AboutDarwin.com- a site with biographical and scientific resources including photographs and links to Darwin's correspondence
Darwin's writings - a repository of the complete works of Charles Darwin
Darwin Online Museum Exhibit - Web site for the 2005-2006 Darwin exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History
Darwin200 - Darwin200 is a national program of events celebrating Charles Darwin’s scientific ideas and their impact around his bicentenary on 12 February 2009." Sponsored by the National History Museum in London.
Natural History of the Galapagos Islands - Large collection of information and images covering geologic origin, volcanoes, reptiles, land and water birds, and human history of the Galapagos Islands compiled by Dr. Robert H. Rothman, Rochester Institute of Technology.
B. Introduction to Evolution
Understanding Evolution - collection of educational resources and news articles on evolution from the University of California Museum of Paleontology.
Evolution 101- introduction to evolution for the general public and students from the University of California Museum of Paleontology.
Introduction to conservation biology and basic genetics from the Genetics Learning Center at the Unive
C. Biodiversity
Introduction to Biodiversity from the New York State BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Information on biodiversity from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Good explanations of genetic diversity and conservation biology issues from the BBC's Guide to Life Science
D. Living Fossils
Horshoe crabs - all about horseshoe crabs. Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Coelacanth Natural History Websites
Chambered nautilus - a factsheet from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Dragonflies - evolution of dragonflies including photographs of dragonfly fossils
Gingko trees - natural history of the gingko tree from the International Organization of Paleobotany
Tuatara Natural History Websites
E. Endangered Species
U.S. National Fish & Wildlife Service Refuge System - Threatened and Endangered
Species Database
Searchable database of endangered species with information
about conservation status
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service searchable database for species “fact sheets
Overview of the Endangered Species Act from the National Marine Fisheries Service section of NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A pdf file of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) is also available to download.
IUCN Red List annual assessment of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature works with governments and NGOs worldwide to address environmental issues.
F. Biogeography
Online
textbook of biogeography - A comprehensive online book about biogeography.
Ritter, Michael E. The Physical Environment: an Introduction to Physical Geography.
G. Miscellaneous sites about specific animal species covered in the course
1. Thylacine (also known as the Tasmanian tiger and the Tasmanian wolf)
2. Quagga Project - a private foundation dedicated to bringing the quagga back from extinction
3. Steller's Sea Cow
4. Cetaceans
Return to the homepage for the Genetics Series at the Wagner Free Institute of Science
Latest update: January 20, 2010
Questions? Email Mary Beth Davis.