300726 SE A Theoretical Biology of EvoDevo (2007W)

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (EvoDevo) has emerged as a cutting-edge synthesis of perspectives from evolutionary and developmental biology in order to explain phenotypic evolution. While most of the work in EvoDevo has been empirical, from the comparative analysis of homeobox gene clusters to gene expression studies, EvoDevo is now increasingly becoming a theoretical discipline. In this seminar we will discuss the foundational theoretical concepts and the main theoretical challenges of EvoDevo.

We will read and discuss the primary literature in the field. Students will present one review paper and one discussion paper during each of the two block sessions in December and January. There will aslo be a block of introductory lectures in October.