Evolutionary ecology Course Code : 2001WETEVE Study domain: Biology Bi-anuall course: Taught in academic years starting in an even year Semester: Semester: 2nd semester Contact hours: 39 Credits: 4 Study load (hours): 112 Contract restrictions: Exam contract not possible Language of instruction : Dutch Exam period: exam in the 2nd semester Tutor(s) Erik Matthysen   1. Prerequisites At the start of this course the student should have acquired the following competences: A passive knowledge of : English Specific prerequisites for this course: Basic knowledge of evolutionary theory, genetics, ecology including basic principles of demography Note that this course is organised every other year (next academic year 2010-2011) 2. Learning outcomes Students gain insight in micro-evolutionary processes in populations. They acquire the ability to formulate evolutionary hypotheses for variation in traits in natural populations, with particular emphasis on life-history traits in the broad sense (demographic traits, dispersal, sex ratio). 3. Course contents Traits of organisms in natural populations (demographical, morphological, behavioural...) can often be explained as adaptations to specific environmental selection pressures. However, (micro-)evolution does not necessarily lead to an optimal endpoint, i.e. maximal fitness. This course addresses the evolution of ecologically relevant traits in an explicit evolutionary context. In an introductory part we address the circumstances in which natural selection leads to a predictable outcome (evolutionarily stable or unbeatable strategies) as well as the influence of the ecological context (population dynamics, environmental variation) on the evolutionary process (introduction to adaptive dynamics). Secondly we show how evolution of ecological traits can be analysed (life-history theory, optimisation models) by means of a few case studies, such as: delayed reproduction, optimal clutch size, evolution of dispersal, senescence. Finally a chapter is devoted to evolutionary interactions between species (co-evolution, trophic interactions). 4. Teaching method Class contact teaching: Lectures Seminars Directed self-study 5. Assessment method and criteria Examination: Oral with written preparation Continuous assessment: Participation in classroom activities 6. Study material Required reading Course notes Optional reading The following study material can be studied on a voluntary basis: - 7. Contact information (+)last update: 21/01/2013 15:24 erik.matthysen

Inhoudsverantwoordelijke(n) : Facultaire administratie