The diversity of organismal forms has fascinated human beings for centuries.  How did butterflies get eyespots? What is the evolutionary origin of bird feathers? How did snakes get to be so long? How did humans evolve? The field of evolutionary developmental biology, or evo-devo, integrates the long-separate fields of evolutionary biology and developmental biology to answer these questions. In this course, we will explore topics such as the evolution of novelties, body plan evolution, developmental constraints, convergent evolution, and the role of environmental changes in evolution. Through reading of original papers, we will examine recent advances made in evo-devo and critically analyze the role of evo-devo in biology and the implications beyond biology.  Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct an independent research project using molecular tools in arthropods.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: BISC 202, or BISC 216, or BISC 219/BIOC 219, or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Suzuki

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

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