Evolutionary ecology

This course is an extension of the Basic 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 where lectures, tutorials and practical work are complementary. The notions are approached by example and then formalized with mathematical models, which are confronted with experience and real data.

It will deal with population dynamics (intra- and interspecific competition), ecological niche and will detail the mechanisms of evolution and their genetic consequences at the population level: natural selection (including sexual selection), influence of reproduction regimes, genetic drift. The practical sessions will allow students to learn the mathematical formalization of notions seen in class and their simple computer modeling as well as the analysis of data sets. The practical exercises will allow the realization and the analysis in small groups of 2 experiments of 1 month each (with writing of a report and oral presentation) in order to develop the methodology and the scientific reasoning.

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

-To know the mechanisms and processes at the origin of biodiversity

-Know and know how to implement the different approaches and tools used in evolutionary biology and ecology: observation, sampling, experimentation, modeling and statistical analysis

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

-To know 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 the effect of pairing mode on allelic and genotypic frequencies from one generation to the next (population genetics basis)

-Know how to interpret differences and variations in allelic and genotypic frequencies in populations

-Know how to formalize simple models of population dynamics

-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)

-Know how to extract relevant data from a document (graph, text, statement)

-Know how to make a short oral presentation on a subject worked on during a course

-Know how to write a scientific study and/or bibliographic report of a few pages

-Know how to 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

-Know how to propose and implement, with support, an observation approach, a sampling plan or an experimental approach

-Know how to analyze data from an observational or experimental approach

-Be able to use computer tools for data entry, analysis and storage (spreadsheet, R)

-Be able to use computer tools to produce and archive documents (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation tools)

Know how to carry out a project within a group

-Be able to evaluate and challenge yourself to learn

-Know how to position yourself in a group in order to implement the project.

-Knowing how to listen and exchange with an interlocutor and in a work group