Theory of Biological Evolution

Course unit

title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Theory of Biological Evolution

Biology N010

Zoology N014

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

2

Self-studies

8

Seminars

0

Aims of course

To deepen the understanding and competence concerning basic principles of the historical adaptation process of the living world (biological evolution) by analyzing their impact on various processes occuring in Nature.

Main topics

1. Biological evolution – the historical process of adptation of living matter. The concept of biological evolution and its main issues. Short history review.

2. Species and speciation. Species concepts. Modes of speciation. Intraspecific vaiation.

3. Genetic background of adaptation. Gene and genotype frequencies in populations. Mutations. Phenotipic plasticity. Genetic drift, founder and bottleneck effects.

4. Forces of evolution. Struggle for existence and its forms. Natural selection, its forms and levels. Artificial selection.

5. Principles of phylogenetics. Types of taxa evolution. Monophyly and polyphyly. Main directions of evolutionary process.

6. Phylogenetic methodology. Principles of phylogenetic reconstructions. Homologies. Transition forms and fossils. Phylogenetic trees, methods of their construction and orientation. Molecular phylogenetics.

7. Alternative viepoints. Epigenetic, punctuated equilibrium, neutral theory of evolution, neo-Lamarckism, symbiogenesis, saltational evolution. Evolution and creationism.

Main literature

Futuyma D. J., Evolution, 4th edition, 2017, https://evolution4e.sinauer.com/

Ridley M., 2004. Evolution. https://www.blackwellpublishing.com/ridley/

International Journal of Organic Evolution, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15585646

Journal of Evolutionary Biology, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14209101

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

Seminar presentation

The scientific problem discussed during the seminar presentation based on evolutionary methodology (30 minutes).

10 (excellent). The presentation meets the requirements to scientific works. The conclusions are supported by the data presented.

9 (very good). One of the disadvantages listed below was observed during the seminar presentation.

8 (good). Two disadvantages were observed.

7 (highly satisfactory). Three disadvantages were observed.

6 (satisfactory). Four disadvantages were observed.

5 (sufficient). Five disadvantages were observed.

4 (insufficient). All disadvantages listed below were observed during the seminar presentation.

The disadvantages observed during the seminar presentation: the analysis of literature was incomplete; the goals and tasks of the presentation were not clear; the conclusions were not supported by the data presented; the questions during the seminar were not answered or were answered incorrectly; the presentation did not meet the requirements to the scientific works; the essential concepts were used incorrectly.

Rimantas Rakauskas

Habil. Dr.

Prof.

Jekaterina Havelka

Dr.

Approved by the Council of Graduate School of Life Sciences Center No 600000-…-… on the …. of …… 2021

Chairman