Fundamentals of Organismal and Population Biology-E2
| Numbering Code | U-LAS14 10012 LE69 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture | |
| Target Year | Mainly 1st & 2nd year students | Target Student | For all majors | |
| Language | English | Day/Period | Mon.2 | |
| Instructor name | BARNETT, Craig Antony (Graduate School of Science Associate Professor) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course | In the history of the earth (4.6 billion years), life has diversified from simple unicellular organisms into a myriad of different organisms including human beings since it appeared 3.8 billion years ago. This course will explain how living creatures have diversified from these simple origins. We will also examine the biology of individual organisms and explain the formation of ecological communities and ecosystems. This class discusses basic principles of biology and is suitable for students who have not previously studied biology. | |||
| Course Goals | An introductory course that mainly deals the evolution of biological diversity, the biology of individuals and groups. Having completed the course, students will have a basic understanding of the evolution of biological diversity and the mechanisms by which diverse species coexist. | |||
| Schedule and Contents |
The following subjects will be held for 2-5 weeks each. The items in [] are the main items. (1) The history of life We will systematically examine the origin and evolutionary history of life on Earth, and the systematic evolution and diversification of organisms. The latest knowledge about the classification system is also introduced. [The origin of life, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, intracellular symbiosis]. (2) Animal behavior and physiology We will examine the diverse adaptive animal behavior patterns and physiological characteristics of organisms in temporally and spatially variable environments. [Adaptation, sexual selection, homology, the evolution of altruistic behavior, homeothermic animals, variable temperature animals, temperature acclimation, and homeostasis]. (3) Ecology of groups and communities Ecology and evolution of organisms the adaptation of organisms to the environment is explained based on genetic and evolutionary mechanisms. We will explore the ecology of populations, communities, the structure and function of ecosystems, ecological niches, and the basis and function of biodiversity. [Genetic systems, evolutionary mechanisms, natural selection, adaptation, life history, individual group dynamics, interspecies relationship, biological communities, food webs, biome, ecosystem function, biodiversity]. (4) Human characteristics and evolution Explain the biological characteristics of primates (including humans) using comparisons of their forms, behaviors, and ecology. [Evolutionary history, distribution, tree adaptation, grasping ability, vision, food habits, brain size, sex differences, social structure, bipedalism, canine retraction, tool use, division of labor, and the genetic diversity in modern people]. |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy | The course will be assessed by end of semester test. | |||
| Course Requirements | It is not necessary to have completed high school biology, but it would be an advantage. | |||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | To achieve the course goals, students should review the course materials and the recommended readings after each class. The time necessary for review should be in the range of 2-3 hours per week. If you have any questions, please ask the instructor. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | No textbook | ||
