Evolutionary ecology

This course is an extension of the "Fundamentals of Evolution" course, and introduces the main concepts of evolutionary ecology in order to understand and formalize in a simple way the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms that shape biodiversity at different scales of integration.

This course is designed as a coherent whole, with lectures, tutorials and practical work complementing each other. Notions are approached by example, then formalized using mathematical models, which are compared with experience and real data.

It will deal with population dynamics (intra- and interspecific competition), ecological niches and will detail the mechanisms of evolution and their genetic consequences on a population scale: natural selection (including sexual selection), influence of reproductive regimes, genetic drift. The practical sessions will enable students to master the mathematical formalization of notions seen in class and their simple computer modeling, as well as the analysis of data sets. Practical work will enable students to carry out and analyze in small groups 2 experiments lasting 1 month each (with report writing and oral presentation), in order to develop methodology and scientific reasoning.

have validated the Bases of evolution/From genotype to phenotype block

-Understanding the mechanisms and processes behind biodiversity

-Know and be able to apply the different approaches and tools used in evolutionary biology and ecology: observation, sampling, experimentation, modelling and statistical analysis.

-Understanding the mechanisms of evolution and their qualitative effects (mutation, drift, selection, migration)

-Understand the biodemographic and evolutionary strategies of organisms, in relation to their resources, their interactions and the characteristics of their living environment.

-Know how to formalize the effect of selection and pairing mode on allelic and genotypic frequencies from one generation to the next (population genetics basics).

-Interpret differences and variations in allelic and genotypic frequencies in populations

-Formalize simple population dynamics models

-Know the rules and practices of oral, written and electronic communication

-Be able to develop a logical argument with a critical mind (limits, confrontation with the biblio, defense of a point of view)

-Extract relevant data from a document (graph, text, statement)

-Give a short oral presentation on a topic covered in a course

-Ability to write a scientific and/or bibliographical report of a few pages in length

-Represent information in an illustrated form (graph, diagram, drawing, photo, video)

-Be able to produce a scientific communication medium (written, poster, slide show)

-Be able to propose a problem or testable hypothesis based on a question

-Propose and implement, with support, an observation approach, a sampling plan or an experimental approach.

-Analyze data from observation or experiments

-Ability to use IT tools for data entry, analysis and storage (spreadsheet, R)

-Be able to use IT tools to produce and archive documents (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools).

Successful project management within a group

Be able to self-assess and challenge oneself in order to learn

-Know how to position yourself in a group with the aim of implementing the project.

-Know how to listen and discuss with a partner and in a work group