BIOL 2200 Lecture 38: Synthesis & Review Notes

Today's Schedule

• Course evaluations

• Overview of BIOL 2200: The big picture

• Connections between different topics

• Final exam information

Major Themes in BIOL 2200

Evolution

• Explores how populations change and how new species arise

• Key concepts:

  • Evolution as a unifying theme in biology

  • Natural selection as a primary driver, with other mechanisms also contributing

  • Speciation and reproductive isolation in various forms

  • Long-term patterns in extinction and radiation reflecting evolutionary dynamics

• Quote: "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution" - Theodosius Dobzhansky

Diversity and Ecology

• Examines the various forms of life on Earth and adaptations to different environments

• Understanding ecological processes and species interactions across different levels

• Biodiversity influenced by macroevolutionary patterns

• Organisms adapted closely to their environments, highlighting convergent evolution

Form and Function

• Investigates how structure relates to function in living organisms

• Phenotypes which help animal success in their environments

• Variation in structures reflects adaptations to specific environments

Course Connections

Related Courses

• Evolution:

  • BIOL 3010: Genetics & Molecular Biology

  • BIOL 3020: Evolution & Ecology

  • BIOL 4150: Evolution of Sex

  • BIOL 4012: Evolution & Ecology of Infectious Disease

  • BIOL 4020: Computational Evolutionary Biology

• Diversity & Ecology:

  • BIOL 3450: Biodiversity & Conservation

  • Field courses in various biological domains

• Form & Function:

  • Courses covering cell biology, neurobiology, anatomy, physiology, and hormonal behavior

Study Suggestions

• Compare ecological and evolutionary processes:

  • Modes of selection

  • Mechanism of evolution

  • Types of reproductive isolation

  • Mechanisms of speciation

  • Survivorship curves

• Practice problems (e.g., Hardy-Weinberg)

• Draw and interpret phylogenetic trees

Understanding Diversity

• Utilize phylogenetic trees to demonstrate relatedness and transitions

• Use Venn diagrams to compare biological groups (e.g., protostomes vs. deuterostomes)

• Consider convergence in environmental challenges (land vs. water vs. air)

Impact of Climate Change

• Anthropogenic climate change's effect on biodiversity

• Specimens capable of relocating, acclimating, or adapting have better survival prospects

• Importance of studying evolution during the Anthropocene

Final Exam Information

• Date: Monday, May 5th from 7-10pm

• Format: In-person, closed book (calculator allowed)

• Content: 45 multiple choice questions, covering all lectures excluding labs

• Study resources: Revisit previous exams, homework, and poll questions, but focus mainly on data analysis

Grading Breakdown

• Midterms: 45%

• Labs: 20%

• Homework: 15%

• Final exam: 20%

• Review grades by Wednesday; reach out for errors

• Check letter grading via syllabus