GEN3062 Evolutionary and ecological genetics

Biodiversity—which encompasses the genetic diversity found in single populations to the global distribution of species and their interactions—is the outcome of evolutionary processes. Whether your primary interests lean towards ecology and conservation, the genetic basis of heritable disease, the control of natural enemies (e.g., common pests and pathogens), or some other feature of life, a solid working knowledge of evolutionary biology is critical for understanding the world in which we live and for making progress in many areas of basic and applied research in biology. This unit takes an evolutionary and ecological genetics approach to understanding evolution. It will sharpen your understanding of four fundamental evolutionary processes—mutation, genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow—and you will develop a deeper understanding of their roles in shaping biodiversity. As a way of emphasising the importance of evolutionary genetics in biodiversity, we will explore how evolutionary principles can help us predict evolutionary responses to global change, including climate change and invasive species. We will also explore how evolutionary genetics helps us understand sexual reproduction and various features of human evolution, including human genetic diversity and the genetic basis of complex traits and disease. Finally, we will illustrate how evolutionary and ecological genetics can contribute to biodiversity management and conservation