SPRING 2006 (1061)
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Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Elle |
Office: B8230 |
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Email: elizabeth_elle@sfu.ca |
Phone: 291-4592 |
Prerequisite: BISC300/400 (Evolution), plus one of the following: BISC 304 (Animal Ecology), BISC 404 (Plant Ecology), or permission of instructor.
Course Description: Coevolution has traditionally been defined narrowly, as pair wise, gene-for-gene evolution in two interacting species. At the other extreme, there is increasing acknowledgement of the importance of diffuse selection by interacting organisms in complex ecological communities for trait evolution. In this course, we will explore coevolution in the broad sense, considering both mutualisms and antagonisms, and including broad taxonomic representation.
List of some topics we will include:
· Definitions, basic theory, and history of the field
· Genetic and phylogenetic models in coevolution
· Evolutionary interactions among different groups:
o Plant-fungus symbioses
o Parasite-host coevolution
o Plant-herbivorous insect interactions
o Predator-prey interactions
o Coevolution and seed dispersal
o Coevolution and mimicry
o Coevolution and pollination
· Tritrophic and multi-trophic interactions
· Evolution in communities
· Geography and coevolution
Course Format: We will meet one afternoon a week for 3 hours, and spend 1.5-2 hours in lecture on that week’s topic. The remainder of the class period is dedicated to student-led discussions of primary literature, including important historical papers and current advances, as well as review papers. Participation in discussions is a crucial component of the course; enrolment is limited to 20 to help keep things lively.
Text: None. Instead, there will be readings assigned from the primary literature (2-3 papers/week); students will be expected to photocopy or print out these papers, and read them carefully.
Mark Distribution:
Two exams: 25% each
Literature review: 25%
Presentation (lead discussion): 15%
Participation: 10%