Biology 424 - Seminar in Evolution

The origin and maintenance of sexual reproduction stands as one of the great mysteries of evolutionary biology.  This seminar will explore the nature of sex and sexual reproduction across organisms, consider hypotheses for its origin and maintenance, and study its diverse consequences in populations.  Readings will incorporate articles from the primary literature and topics for consideration include the molecular machinery and origin of meiosis, variation in sex determination mechanisms (including the evolution of sex chromosomes), sex ratio evolution, mating system variation, sexual conflicts, and the evolutionary ecology of sex differences. Three hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL181, BIOL 191, and one upper-level course in Biology. Limited to 16 students. Fall semester. Professor Miller.