This course aims to explore the bridging of micro- and macroevolution in an old insect order. The learning outcomes include understanding the evolution of body size, sexual selection, and colour development in odonates. The course teaches skills such as analyzing macroevolutionary constraints and interpreting phylogenetic hypotheses. The teaching method involves discussing model systems in evolutionary biology and presenting case studies on odonates. The intended audience for this course includes students and professionals interested in evolutionary biology and insect evolution.
Bridging Micro- and Macroevolution in an Old Insect Order
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Bridging micro- and macroevolution in an old insect order
"Model systems" in evolutionary biology Darwin's finches
Can Odonata contribute to bridge micro- and macroevolution?
Evolution of body size and the problem of stasis
Macroevolutionary constraints on interspecific body size divergence
The latitude-body size relationship has changed over macroevolutionary time
Did birds drive large odonates out of the tropics?
Some macroevolutionary and macroecological aspects of sexual selection in odonates
Sexual conflict and frequency-dependent selection in the common bluetail damselfly Ischnura elegans
Phenotype (female morph)
Morph frequencies remain stable over many generations
Ontogeny of colour development and sexual maturation
Colour development during sexual maturation of female morphs: a role for Doublesex and the Dmri-gene family
Geographic clines in the frequency of androchrome females
Combining molecular, biogeographic and paleogeographic dating
Phylogenetic hypotheses for the origin of female colour polymorphism
Multiple gains and losses of female-limited colour polymorphisms
Micro- and macroevolutionary gains and losses of polymorphisms
High-density, open habitats promote female polymorphisms
Summary and Conclusions
Acknowledgements: funding, lab & collaborators
Taught by
EvoEcoSeminars
