BIO 4V65 Evolution of Reproduction
This course will survey the diversity of ways that reproduction has evolved to be accomplished from the cellular to organismal levels across plant and animal taxa. The course will begin with examining the diversity of cellular mechanisms responsible for asexual reproduction, then lead into the biological definition of male and female, gamete production of sexually reproducing organisms, and the co-evolutionary process of sexual antagonism. Students will investigate the variety of ways gametes can come together, which will include the importance of plant-pollinator interactions and the evolution of reproductive behaviors. A special emphasis will be placed on Potamopyrgus antipodarum and the Red Queen Hypothesis for the evolution of sexual reproduction.