EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Paper Code: 
24CZOL613
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
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 
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)
 
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and 

teaching strategies

Assessment

Strategies

 Course Code

Course Title

 

 

 

24CZOL 613

Evolutionary

Biology

THEORY

 

CO:157 Support the evidence that living species share descent  from common ancestry  and how this fact explains  the traits of living species and acquire knowledge of  biochemical origin of life and Lamark and Darwin theory

CO:158 Speculate the source  of genetic variation  and study of fossil, geological time scale, evolution of horse and man

CO:159 Interpret  evolutionary forces, Hardy Weinberg Law and Natural Selection , Genetic DriftAppraise the 

extinction of Dinosaurs,  the evolution of horses.

CO:160 Evaluate the species concept,modes of speciation, isolating mechanisms,micro and macroevolution

CO:161 Value the concept Zoogeographical  distribution and 

Continental drift and study of  Dinosaurs,and Archaeopteryx

CO:162 Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

The approach in  teaching:

Interactive Lectures,  Reading  assignments, 

Demonstration, 

Team teaching

Learning activities  for the students: Self-learning 

assignments, 

Simulation

Assessment 

Strategies

Class test,  Semester end  examinations

Quiz, Solving  problems in  tutorials, 

Assignments, 

Presentation.

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Theories of Evolution
Biochemical origin of  life
Evolution of eukaryotes 
Historical review of evolutionary concept: Lamarckism, Neo- Lamarckism, Darwinism, Neo-Darwinism 
 
12.00
Unit II: 
Evidences of Evolution
Evidences of Evolution: Fossil record (types of fossils, transitional forms), 
geological time scale, 
Evolution of horse, 
Origin and evolution of man, 
Sources of variations: Heritable variations and their role in evolution 
 
12.00
Unit III: 
Population genetics
Population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg Law 
Evolutionary forces upsetting H-W equilibrium;  
Natural selection ,Genetic Drift (mechanism, founder‘s effect, bottleneck phenomenon )
 
12.00
Unit IV: 
Species concept

Product of evolution: Micro evolutionary changes (inter-population variations, clines,  races,)

 Species concept, Isolating mechanisms, modes of speciation—allopatric, sympatric

Adaptive radiation / macroevolution (exemplified by Galapagos finches) 

12.00
Unit V: 
Zoogeographical regions
Study of extinct forms: Dinosaur and Archaeopteryx  
Continental drift 
Zoogeographical distribution: Principle zoogeographical regions of the world with reference to mammalian fauna
 
Essential Readings: 
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
 
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:
● epg pathshala
 
e-JOURNALS:
● Journal of Evolutionary Biology
● Evolution and Human behavior
● Nature Ecology and Evolution
 
Academic Year: 
2024-2025
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