Introduction to evolution

The objective of this course is to understand evolutionary processes, both at the micro- and macro-evolutionary scales.

Based on examples, manipulations and accessible modeling, the lessons will aim at presenting in a concrete and quantitative way the effects of the 4 evolutionary forces operating at the scale of individuals and populations (mutation, migration, selection and drift). The integration of these micro-evolutionary processes at larger time scales (e.g. differentiation between lineages, speciation) will then be addressed. Finally, the course will include an introduction to the tools of phylogeny (reading and construction of trees) allowing the study of macro-evolutionary events (diversification, extinction) and the tracing of changes in character states, notably by integrating fossil data.

Contact details of the person(s) responsible (tel/email) : mathilde.dufay @ umontpellier.fr (mathilde.dufay @ umontpellier.fr), bruno.guinand@umontpellier.fr

- Understanding the precise effect of the 4 evolutionary forces on the evolution of traits in populations

- Knowing the scenarios allowing the maintenance of polymorphisms

- Know the main speciation scenarios

- Linking microevolutionary processes to macroevolutionary patterns

- Interpret a phylogeny and know the basics of phylogenetic tree construction