What we do:
Comparative biology and systematics are concerned with the inference of phylogenetic (genealogical) relationships among species, which in turn provide a foundation for many insights into the history of changes in their characteristics and their environments. Because of theoretical advancements, development of new analytical algorithms, increased computing capability and robust new data sources, we can now assemble a detailed picture of the tree of life, which will provide the foundation for innumerable ecological and evolutionary studies.
Faculty in EEB are experts on many branches of the tree of life, and they use a diverse set of approaches and data from many sources to understand the history and diversification of these branches, including the areas listed to the right.
EEB faculty who work in comparative biology and systematics:
Paul E. Berry
Christopher Dick
Thomas Duda Jr
Paul Dunlap
William Fink
Timothy James
L. Lacey Knowles
Ronald Nussbaum
Diarmaid Ó Foighil
Barry OConnor
Yin-Long Qiu
Priscilla Tucker
Faculty in other departments (can serve as co-advisor)
Philip Gingerich, Museum of Paleontology and EEB
Anton (Tony) Reznicek , Herbarium and EEB |
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Illustration by John Megahan, Conus leopardus
Professor Tom Duda and his former postdoc, Ed Remigio published a study in the February issue of Molecular Ecology on the evolution of venoms of predatory marine snails.
Understanding the role of genetics in the evolution of ecological specialization can provide tremendous insights into the origins of biodiversity and the dynamics of how closely related species adapt to certain ecological niches and appear different from each other (scientists call this adaptive radiation).
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However, studying the evolution of genes involved with ecological specialization is difficult because these genes are often not known. Duda and Remigio looked at the evolution of a specialized diet of the predatory marine snail Conus leopardus, a species that preys exclusively on marine acorn worms (hemichordates). The limited diet is associated with a decline in the number and diversity of toxin genes expressed in the venom of this species.
These snails, commonly known as cone snails, use venom to paralyze their prey including fish, other snails and worms. Conus leopardus is the only cone snail known to prey exclusively on acorn worms. To understand how the venom of Conus leopardus has evolved in relation to the origin of its unique diet, the researchers examined the toxin genes that are expressed in the venom of this species. They found that the venom of Conus leopardus is much less complex than venoms of other species. This suggests that dietary shifts and dietary specialization of cone snails is associated with the streamlining of their venoms.
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EEB 459: Systematic Botany
The integration of taxonomy, evolution, and phylogenetics, focusing on flower-producing plants. Training in the major groups of flowering plants, including classification systems, identification, naming, morphology, molecular evolution, and biogeography. Lab emphasis on representative families and genera of major plant groups, use of identification keys, and plant collections.
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. The course is not a replacement for other EEB courses (e.g., population genetics or molecular evolution).
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