Evolution

Paper Code: 
ZOL-613
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
Course objectives:  
This course will enable the students to - 
1. Interpret the evidence that living species share descent from common ancestry and how this  fact explains the traits of living species 
2. Explore the changes in the genetic composition of populations due to evolution 
3. Investigate the source of genetic variation and how it is shaped in the absence of selection  (Hardy-Weinberg; genetic drift) 
4. Execute the concept of fitness and how heritable differences in fitness result in natural  selection 
5. Analyse the extinction of Dinosaurs and the evolution of the horse. 
6. Assess the Geological division of earth crust, Zoogeographical distribution and Continental  drift 
7. Appraise Population genetics and evolution of man. 
 
Course Outcomes (COs):
 

Course 

Learning outcomes 

(at course level)

Learning and  teaching strategies

Assessment  Strategies 

Paper  

Code

Paper Title

ZOL 613

EVOLUTION 

Students will  

CO 112: Support the evidence that  living species share descent from  common ancestry and how this fact  explains the traits of living species 

CO 113: Speculate the source of  genetic variation and how it is shaped  in the absence of selection (Hardy Weinberg; genetic drift) 

CO 114: Appraise the extinction of  Dinosaurs, the evolution of horses. CO 115: Argue about Population  genetics and evolution of man 

CO 116: Value the concept Zoogeographical distribution and  Continental drift

Approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures,  Discussion, Tutorials,  Reading assignments,  Demonstration,  

PowerPoint  

presentations,  

Explanation by videos Learning activities for  the students: 

Self learning  assignments, Effective  questions, Simulation,  Seminar presentation,  Giving tasks,  Assignments

Class test  

Semester end  examinations 

Quiz  

Assignments  

Presentation 

Surprise test 

Open book test

 

9.00
Unit I: 
UNIT I:
● Chemical origin of Life 
● Lamarckism & Darwinism
● Neo- Lamarckism & Neo-Darwinism 
9.00
Unit II: 
UNIT II:
● Variation 
● Isolation and Speciation 
● Adaptations 
● Fossils, imperfection of fossil record 
9.00
Unit III: 
UNIT III:
● Study of Extinct forms: Dinosaurs, Archaeopteryx 
● Phylogeny of horse. 
● Geological Time Scale 
9.00
Unit IV: 
UNIT IV:
● Population genetics. 
● Genetic Drift. 
● Hardy-Weinberg Law. 
● Macro and microevolution: Evolution of Man. 
 
 
 
9.00
Unit V: 
UNIT V:
● Zoogeographical distribution: Principal zoogeographical regions of the world with reference to  their mammalian fauna 
● Continental drift 
 
Essential Readings: 
● Evolution, V.B.Rastogi, KedarNath, Ram Nath, Merrut. 
Genes and Evolution. JhaA.P  .John Publication, New Delhi 
Evolutionary Biology, Futuyamma, D.J.Sinauer Associates, INC Publishers, Sunderland
 
References: 
SUGGESTED READINGS:
● Genetics and Origin of Species. Dobzhansky, Th., F.J.Alaya, G.L.Stebbins and  J.M.Valentine. Surjeet Publication, Delhi. 
● Evolution, Hall, B. K. and Hallgrimsson, James and Bartlett Publisher, Sudbury, USA. 
● Evolution and Genetics  Merral, D.J.Holt, Rinchart and Winston, Inc. 
● Evolutionary Genetics. Smith,J.M. Oxford University Press, New York. 
● Evolution. Strikberger, M.W.Jones and Barlett Publishers, Boston London chordates
 
e-RESOURCES: 
 
e-JOURNALS:
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
Evolution and Human behavior
Nature Ecology and Evolution
 
Academic Year: 
2022-2023
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