The study of evolutionary processes investigates:
- sources of genetic variation (e.g., mutation)
- the evolution of genes and genomes
- causes of genetic and phenotypic variation within populations
- causes of genetic and phenotypic divergence between populations and species
- the neutral and non-neutral (i.e., selective) processes that lead to behavioral, morphological, and ecological change.
Evolutionary biologists in EEB study a broad array of processes underlying evolutionary change, including:
- mechanisms of genome evolution
- the developmental basis of species differences
- adaptive divergence of ecological, behavioral and sexual characters
- the influence of models of speciation on patterns of biodiversity
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temporal and distributional shifts of populations in response to climatic change
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- Behavioral evolution
- Biogeography
- Evolutionary biology of molluscs
- Evolutionary developmental biology
- Evolutionary radiations
- Evolution of neotropical primates
- Forest history
- Genomic evolution
- Molecular evolution
- Organismal biology
- Phylogeography
- Population genetics
- Sexual selection
- Social behavior
- Speciation
- Systematics
- Systems biology
- Tropical ecology and evolution
- Vocal communication
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The mouse is a stalwart stand-in for humans in medical research, thanks to genomes that are 85 percent identical. But identical genes may behave differently in mouse and man, a study by graduate student Ben-Yang Liao and Professor Jianzhi “George” Zhang reveals.
Their results, which have implications for the use of mouse models in studying human disease, appear in the current issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
"Everyone assumes that deletion of the same gene in the mouse and in humans produces the same phenotype (an observable trait such as presence or absence of a particular disease). That's the basis of using the mouse to study human disease," said Zhang, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. "Our results show that may not always be the case."
U-M News Service press release
Image by Ben-Yang Liao |
Julian Adams
Thore Bergman
Liliana Cortes-Ortiz
Christopher Dick
Thomas Duda Jr
L. Lacey Knowles
Alex Kondrashov
Jo Kurdziel
Philip Myers
Diarmaid O'Foighil
Robert Payne
Noah A. Rosenberg
Elizabeth Tibbetts
Priscilla Tucker
Patricia Wittkopp
Jianzhi Zhang
Faculty in other departments
Jacinta Beehner, Psychology and Anthropology
Michael J. McLeish, Medicinal Chemistry |
EEB 404: Genetics, Development, and Evolution
This course introduces students to the field of evolution and development, with an emphasis on genetics as a unifying force. After reviewing fundamental principles in developmental and evolutionary biology, papers from the primary literature investigating the molecular mechanisms responsible for evolutionary change will be discussed.
The course provides the opportunity to learn about the basic principles and latest discoveries in the burgeoning field of evolutionary developmental biology. This course will also integrate material presented in both EEB and MCDB courses, providing a bridge between disciplines and helping students to develop a more holistic view of biology. Finally, the format of the course explicitly emphasizes the development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills.
EEB 412: Molecular Ecology
Molecular Ecology is an academic discipline that links research in ecology and evolution through the use of DNA markers. This class surveys the most important DNA markers and analytical methods currently used in molecular ecology. Topics include population structure, kinship, parentage, community phylogeny, phylogeography, microbial ecology and species discovery.
This course explores key topics in molecular ecology through lectures, discussion of primary literature and analysis workshops.
EEB 420: Plant Evolution
This course aims to give students an advanced and updated perspective of plant evolution on the following topics: phylogenetic concepts, a phylogeny of photosynthetic life, evolution of genomes in plants, evolution of development (molecular genetics, biochemistry, and physiology), and evolution of interaction of plants with their abiotic and biotic environment.
EEB 512: Molecular Systematics and Evolution
This course examines processes and patterns of evolution at the molecular level, as well as methods of phylogenetic analysis using molecular characters, such as amino acid sequences, DNA sequences, and features of genome organization. These evolutionary topics and methods are key components in the developing field of bioinformatics.
EEB 516: Principles of Evolution
This course explores various topics in evolutionary biology, with an emphasis on conceptual principles and generalizations. Fundamental principles are discussed in relation to topics of active contemporary research and controversy. It includes lectures and discussion on major principles in population genetics, molecular and phenotypic evolution, speciation, evolutionary developmental biology, phylogenetics, and macroevolution. The course is broadly relevant to many other fields, from conservation biology to genomics.
EEB 685: Current Topics in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Designed to acquaint students with a broad range of current topics in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. Weekly lectures, each presented by a different member of the faculty, will introduce students both to specific research topics and to the broad conceptual framework that organizes a particular area of research.
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