Plant Evolutionary Biology is a new class designed to address the conceptual basis of evolutionary biology with extra attention to the challenges of plants. This is because plants can often violate many of the assumptions made when deriving the foundational evolutionary theory, and our understanding of some of these features is still developing. Because of the intrinsic connection between genetics and evolution, and the transformative impact of modern genomics on all aspects of biological research, there will be a heavy emphasis on genomic data and on a molecular perspective on evolution. Organismal examples will focus mostly on major angiosperm groups that are relevant to agriculture or ecosystem services, or that have some potential for translational research. This choice is to help align the course with likely on-campus research experiences. To cover all of plant evolution in a single semester is an impossible task, but a student in the class should leave well prepared for further research in the field, for addressing inquiries about evolutionary biology as it relates to other areas of plant biology, and for casual chats with friends and strangers about how evolution is not a deterministic process.

Learning Goals

  • Understand the foundations of population genetics
  • Develop conceptual understanding of processes underlying plant speciation
  • Approach plant evolutionary biology from a phylogenetic framework
  • Become familiar with mechanisms underlying plant genome evolution
  • Identify key innovations in plant evolution with respect to diversification and the success of major groups
  • Critically analyze literature in plant evolutionary biology from systematics to multi-omics
  • Appreciate plant diversity

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate evidence for local adaptation in practical scenarios
  • Derive independent assessments of species status
  • Know the plant tree of life and evolutionary innovations of major groups
  • Be familiar with databases and methods used to carry out plant evolution research
  • Critically read plant evolution literature to support basic and applied research
  • Design research that uses comparative methods to elucidate the genetic basis of traits
  • Communicate plant biology and evolution effectively to a technical audience
  • Write significant portions of a fellowship application, or background material relevant to your own research

Instructors

George Tiley – Office hours are available on Tuesday from 1:00-2:00pm and Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm at 4111 Gardner. Email is the best means of communication outside of class. Please reach out if you need arrangements outside of typical office hours. Include PB495 or PB595 in the email subject line to ensure a fast response time.