Ecology and Evolution

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to ecology and evolution, exploring fundamental principles of evolution at the molecular, organismal, and population levels. Students will examine key ecological concepts and evolutionary mechanisms that shape biodiversity and species interactions. 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Explain the mechanisms of microevolution and macroevolution by analyzing processes such as mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and speciation, and applying the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium to assess evolutionary change in populations
• Interpret and construct phylogenetic trees using cladistics and phylogenetic inference to evaluate evolutionary relationships among organisms and trace the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
• Analyze patterns of biodiversity and adaptation by exploring the evolutionary consequences of inbreeding, outbreeding, genetic bottlenecks, and polymorphism across ecological and evolutionary timescales.
• Evaluate ecological principles across organizational levels, including population dynamics, species interactions, community structure, and ecosystem function within local and global biomes.
• Apply behavioral and ecological theory to explain the evolution of animal behavior and its ecological implications in natural environments.

Topics Include

• Foundations and Evidence of Evolution Explore pre-Darwinian science, the development of evolutionary theory, and the genetic and fossil evidence supporting evolution.
• Mechanisms of Microevolution Examine how mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and non-random mating drive changes in populations, supported by population genetics models like Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
• Speciation and Macroevolutionary Patterns Investigate how species form and diversify, including the roles of adaptation, reproductive isolation, genetic bottlenecks, and evolutionary trends over deep time.
• Phylogenetics and the Tree of Life Learn how to construct and interpret phylogenetic trees using cladistics and molecular data, and trace the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
• Ecological Principles and Biodiversity Study the interactions of organisms with each other and their environments through topics in behavioral, population, community, ecosystem, and global ecology.

Expected Effort

At UC schools, 1 credit hour typically requires about 3 hours of student work per week. Actual class meeting times may vary by course.

Course Eligibility and Prerequisites

Prerequisites: Cell and Molecular Biology (or equivalent course).

This course is intended for postbaccalaureate students. UCSC undergraduates should follow their major's course requirements.