Biological Systematics

Overview

Subject area

BIO

Catalog Number

701

Course Title

Biological Systematics

Description

A study of the theoretical basis and methodologies of each of the current schools of systematics, and the arguments used by each school in uncovering the phylogenetic relationships between organisms. Topics will include Aristotelian essentialism, evolutionary systematics, phenetics, cladistics (phylogenetic systematics), transformed (pattern) cladistics, monophyly, paraphyly, polyphyly, parsimony, homology, homoplasy, character state analysis, and polarity. The role of paleontological data in phylogenetic reconstruction will be explored. Students will use the methods learned to construct caldograms and phylogenetic relationships from a variety of data sets, and learn how to use data in resolving phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships.

Typically Offered

Fall, Spring

Academic Career

Graduate

Liberal Arts

Yes

Credits

Minimum Units

4

Maximum Units

4

Academic Progress Units

4

Repeat For Credit

No

Components

Name

Laboratory

Hours

4

Name

Lecture

Hours

2

Course Schedule