This course aims to teach students how to track short-term evolution in a pedigreed wild population. By studying the evolutionary processes that change allele frequencies, students will learn how population pedigrees allow direct observation of these processes. The course covers topics such as genealogical contributions over time, genetic variations in autosomes and sex chromosomes, and the impact of selection at different life stages. The teaching method includes lectures on population genetics with pedigrees and contemporary evolution in natural populations. This course is intended for individuals interested in evolutionary biology, population genetics, and wildlife conservation.
Tracking Short-Term Evolution in a Pedigreed Wild Population
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Tracking short-term evolution in a pedigreed wild population
Evolution is the change in alele frequencies over time
How to study the evolutionary processes that change alele frequencies
The population pedigree permits direct observation of the processes that change allele frequencies
Some long-term demographic studies have nearly complete population pedigrees
Long-term demographic study at Archbold Biological Station
Population genetics with pedigrees contemporary evolution in natural populations
Autosomes and sex chromosomes have different patterns of genetic variation
Genealogical contributions over time
Genealogical contributions are higher than genetic contributions
Expected genetic contributions of males & females
Sex chromosomes have different transmission rules
Male & female genetic contributions on autosomes the z chromosome follow expected ratios
Contributions of male & female immigrants differ for autosomal
Partitioning variance in alele frequency change
Sex-biased transmission and demography on short-term evolution
Selection can act at different stages of the life cycle
Selection component analysis tests for salection at different life-cycle stages
A fullkaihood approach for testing for gamatic selection
Two gamatic selection hits
Testing for viability selection, sexual selection, & fecundity selection
Lifetime reproductive success is primarily driven by survival
Limited evidence of sexual conflict
Some evidence of life-history trade-offs
Understanding short-term evolution in nature
Acknowledgments
Taught by
EvoEcoSeminars
