Description

Phenotypic variation is pervasive in nature: species differ, individuals within species differ, and individuals even differ over time. Variation generates novel ways of interacting with the environment and is responsible for major evolutionary transitions in the history of life on earth. Variation also helps organisms adapt to their environment, can drive speciation, and has led to the incredible biodiversity we see today. Developmental pathways are the products of past evolution, yet they also influence potential for the evolution of new forms as filter through which new mutations must pass before becoming visible to natural selection. In this course, we will explore how biodiversity arises by applying concepts and mechanisms from development, evolution, and ecology, as these processes are inextricably linked. Travel to Ecuador is required.